#wilshire on crack heLP

[justabigassnerd]

Come Home To Us

Pairing - Tim Bradford x reader

Word count - 4,748

Warnings - angst, inaccurate hospital/police scenes, mentions of suicide, viruses, brief mention of Tim's father, swearing, mentions of Tim getting shot

Summary - Tim liked to keep his personal and work life separate, although a certain event was about to change that

A/N - hey y'all this was an anon request that was an honour to write and I will forever push the girl dad Tim agenda I'm not sorry in the slightest. anyways I won't ramble but as per y'all, please send in requests, feedback, and enjoy!!!

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Most of the Mid-Wilshire Police Department only knew Tim Bradford as the hard-ass training officer who never cracked a smile. They would see someone who had the toughest exterior known to man and assumed he was the same outside of work. But in actuality, Tim had a secret that very few knew about. And that secret was about to come out.

“Good morning, Tim.” Your sweet voice says softly as Tim blinks his eyes open, a smile coming to his face as his eyes lock with yours.

“Good morning, Baby,” Tim replies, instantly reaching across to wrap an arm around your waist, tugging you close so he can press a soft kiss to your lips as you giggle.

“You’re up earlier than usual.” Tim then muses with a light laugh as he notices the time on the clock behind you, knowing you always woke up after his alarm went off.

“Your daughter wanted a glass of water and who am I to deny her what she wants?” You reply, curling into Tim as he presses a kiss to the top of your head.

“My daughter?” Tim asks, an amused tone to his voice, pulling away enough to be able to look down at you.

“She wakes up at the crack of dawn most mornings. She gets that from you.” You laugh, watching as Tim lets out a gentle laugh before giving you another soft kiss.

“Momma! Daddy!” You glance over your shoulder to see your little girl Mia rushing into your room, and you open up your arms to catch her when she launches herself onto yours and Tim’s shared bed.

“Good morning, Sweetheart.” Tim greets Mia with a smile as she clambers from your embrace to Tim’s, giggling as he peppers her face with kisses. You couldn’t help but smile as you watched Tim and Mia interact. You remembered how in your early stages of pregnancy, Tim had been terrified, he was scared he was going to end up like his own father or that something would happen to him and leave you alone with a baby to take care of. But the moment Mia was born and he held her in his arms for the first time, Tim knew that he would go through hell and back to protect his little girl. He wanted to give her the whole world and more. You saw how Tim took to being Mia’s dad easily, he loved her like it was breathing and he made sure he was a present parent in her life.

“Can I have breakfast, please?” Mia asks, looking between you and Tim with the puppy dog eyes that melted you both down in seconds.

“Let’s get you ready for preschool first, then we’ll make breakfast,” Tim says, scooping Mia up into his arms, and sitting her on his hip as he gets out of bed. As he takes Mia back to her room to get her ready for the day, you get up and begin to change yourself, readying yourself for the day before heading out to the kitchen to begin making breakfast.

“Momma! Daddy said I could help make breakfast!” Mia comes hurtling into the kitchen, excitedly looking up at you as you laugh.

“Of course, you can help, Sweetie. What would you like for breakfast?” You ask, finding the little stepstool so that Mia can reach the kitchen counter to assist you in making breakfast.

“Cereal please.” She requests as you nod, already handing her one of her favourite princess bowls. Mia reaches up to the cupboard you kept the cereal in while you watched carefully. Mia was only five years old but she was already growing in her independence, and you knew she got that from Tim. Despite that, she was the sweetest little soul who loved and cared for everyone around her and you couldn’t be prouder to have her as your daughter.

“You got it, Sweetie? Do you want me to grab you the milk?” You ask softly, resting your hand on Mia’s back as you watch her carefully pour some cereal into the bowl, her tongue poking out of the corner of her mouth in her concentration.

“Yes please, Momma,” Mia asks, satisfied with the amount of cereal she’s put in the bowl as she carefully places the box down. You press a soft kiss to the top of Mia’s head before heading over to the fridge to grab the milk for her as Tim enters the kitchen, smiling at you both and now dressed for the day.

“How’s breakfast making going?” Tim asks, crossing to you and capturing your lips in a soft kiss before letting you give the milk to Mia.

“You’re getting soft, you know?” You say with a laugh, thinking about the way Tim used to be when you first met him.

“Only for my family,” Tim says, hovering near Mia to supervise as she tries to pour the milk herself, eventually placing his hand on the carton and giving Mia a helping hand.

“I forget work doesn’t get the same privileges as us.” You tease, beginning to prep both your and Tim’s morning coffees, putting them into their respective travel mugs before making Mia’s packed lunch and filling a bottle with water for her.

As Mia eats her breakfast, Tim makes breakfast for you and him while you pack Mia’s bag with everything she’ll need for the day. You then join Tim and Mia at the table to eat your breakfast before noting the time when you’ve finished eating and tidied away.

“We should head out. Don’t want you to be late to preschool, do we?” You say, tickling Mia quickly, smiling as she squeals and squirms.

“Daddy, help!” Mia calls out for Tim to save her, making him scoop her up in his arms, holding her close as you laugh.

“I’ll protect you, Mia,” Tim says, holding her close as you roll your eyes jokingly.

“You can protect her by taking her to preschool, then.” You say, picking up Mia’s bag and holding it out towards Tim who takes it and slings the small strap over his shoulder.

“I can do that. Are you okay to collect her this afternoon?” Tim says, carrying Mia over to the shoe rack and helping her put her shoes on while you follow behind, grabbing your own work bag.

“Yeah, that’s perfectly fine.” You say, bending down as you gently brush Mia’s stray hair away from her face.

“Bye, Momma,” Mia says, throwing herself into your arms. You’re quick to hug her back, relishing the feeling of her clinging to you.

“Bye, Sweetie. I’ll see you this afternoon.” You whisper, pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head before releasing her from the hug, straightening up to say goodbye to Tim.

“You’ll stay safe, won’t you? Come home to us?” You ask quietly so Mia doesn’t hear you.

“I always do. Nothing can stop me from coming home to you both.” Tim reassures you softly, placing his hands on your waist to pull you a little closer. He understood your fears, and he knew you’d been living with them for years. After Mia was born your worry only increased which made Tim all the more determined to get home to his family after every shift. And after the recent incident where Tim got shot, you worried about him even more.

“I love you.” You whisper softly just before Tim cups your face softly in his hands, pressing a kiss to your lips.

“I love you too.” He whispers after pulling away from the embrace, smiling down at you softly to reassure you that little bit more.

“Daddy, come on we need to go!” Mia’s little voice snaps you back to reality as she tugs on Tim’s jacket, making you both laugh.

“Okay, okay, you have a point. Let’s get going, Princess.” Tim says, taking Mia’s little hand in one hand while grabbing both his bag and hers with the other before heading out of the front door to take Mia to preschool and then head to work. A few minutes after Tim leaves, you grab your keys and bag then head out to your car so you can make your way to work. You worked at the local high school so you knew your day was going to be busy as you began the drive to work.

As you arrived at work you greeted your colleagues as you passed them in the corridors, making your way to your classroom, heading over to your desk and placing everything down so you can get on with your morning tasks. You spend time prepping your classes and making sure you’re ready for the day before your students begin to file into the room, all of them greeting you with a smile as they cross to their desks and settle in their seats.

The day progressed like any other, nothing you weren’t used to working in a high school. You taught your classes and caught up with your coworkers during lunch. Until your phone rang with an unknown number. Instantly filled with dread and assuming the worst, you excused yourself from your coworkers and accepted the call, walking to a quiet corner of the staff lounge.

“Hello?” You say into the phone, your throat drying up in anticipation of any bad news.

“Hello, is this Mrs. Bradford?” A nervous female voice asks.

“Yes, it is. Who am I speaking to?” You confirm before asking the woman on the other end of the line for her name.

“I’m Officer Lucy Chen. I’m Officer Bradford’s rookie.” Lucy introduced herself, pacing anxiously back and forth in front of the door she knew Tim was behind. You recognised Lucy’s name quickly as you recalled Tim talking about her.

“Is Tim okay?” Your voice was shaky as tears threatened to well up in your eyes. You knew Tim didn’t open up about his personal life to anyone at work outside of Angela and Wade so the fact he told his rookie about you was ringing alarm bells in your head.

“He- you know I’ll just let him tell you himself,” Lucy says, placing the phone by the gap under the door and putting you on speaker.

“Tim?” Your voice came through to the other room, making Tim perk up the slightest bit at hearing your voice.

“y/n?” Tim replies, making you let out a slight sigh of relief from hearing his voice, even if it was partially muffled.

“Tim, what’s wrong? Are you okay?” You ask, your fear evident in your voice as Tim leans his head back, resting it against the door.

“There’s been an incident. I don’t know if I’ll make it home tonight.” Tim says, trying to find the words to describe what’s going on without panicking you further.

“Tim, talk to me. What’s happened?” You plead, desperate for answers.

“Don’t tell anyone at work about this. But we found out there’s a group wanting to disperse a virus within the city. We tracked one of the weapons to this house after a guy picked it up by accident and he got sick and… he coughed on me. I’m quarantining in this room while we wait for the CDC but if I start showing any signs of the virus, I want to go out on my own terms. I don’t want to go through what I just saw this guy go through. I owe it to you to tell you that.” Tim says, and you feel a tear slip down your cheek at his words.

“No. You’ll be okay. You’re going to come home.” You say, lifting your free hand to wipe your tears away before anyone notices.

“But I might not. And I want you to be prepared for that outcome. Just promise me you’ll give Mia a hug from me and tell her I love her so much.” Tim says, fighting back the building tears at the thought of not seeing you or Mia again.

“You’ll tell her that yourself. Just hold on. You’ll be okay.” You beg, hoping that by some miracle the CDC will enter the room Tim is in and save him.

“I love you so much,” Tim murmurs softly.

“I love you too.” You whisper quietly in response.

“You go back to work, okay? I’ll have someone call you no matter what happens. I promise.” Tim says, and as much as you wanted to tell him no, to tell him that you wanted to come and sit with him and be by his side when he needed you. But you understood that he wanted you to keep busy, and for you to try not to worry about him too much, although that ship had already sailed.

“Okay. I love you.” You say, hearing Tim’s whispered response before you hang up the phone, wondering how you are going to get through the rest of the day with these thoughts in your head. You were thankful that after lunch you had a free period so you didn’t have to worry about teaching any classes and could focus on grading papers and making new lesson plans to get a head start. As you worked, you found your gaze being drawn towards the framed picture you have on your desk of you, Tim, and Mia. All you could do was hope that Tim would be okay, you had no idea how you’d tell Mia if anything happened to Tim. Mia was the biggest daddy’s girl and you knew it would crush her if you had to look her in the eye and tell her that her daddy wasn’t coming home.

“Please be okay, Tim.” You whisper, hoping that by some miracle, someone will hear your whisper and be able to save Tim. Halfway through your free period, your phone buzzed once more and this time you saw Angela’s name displayed across your phone screen and you scooped your phone up instantly, answering the call.

“Angela, please tell me he’s okay.” You plead, pacing your classroom anxiously as you wait for Angela to respond.

“He’s on his way to the hospital. The CDC got there and administered the vaccine but as he was leaving the house he passed out. He’s going to Shaw Memorial.” Angela explains as Jackson drives them to the hospital.

“I’m getting Mia and I’m coming to the hospital.” You say, shoving everything in your bag with little to no consideration for anything else but getting to Shaw Memorial.

“I’ll be waiting for you both,” Angela says with a nod, ignoring Jackson’s confused glances, bidding you goodbye before hanging up the phone.

After ending the call, you finish packing your bag and immediately make a beeline for the principal's office, knocking and entering with permission.

“Ah, y/n, what can I do for you?” He says with a friendly smile which falters when he notices your worried expression and the bag on your shoulder.

“Something’s happened with my husband. He’s in the hospital and I need to go and see him. I have lesson plans all written up in my desk so a substitute can step in I just need to go and see Tim.” You explain, trying not to sound too flustered but you also knew you were failing miserably.

“Of course, you can go. We should have someone available, I’ll track them down before the next period. You’re free to go. I hope everything is okay.” He says softly, holding up a hand to calm you down. When you process his words, you let out a small sigh of relief, your shoulders sagging in relief.

“Thank you so much, Paul.” You thank him gratefully, beginning to back away towards the door before saying a quick goodbye and rushing out to your car. You waste no time driving over to the preschool Mia is at, soon pulling up outside and heading into the reception.

“Mrs. Bradford, how can I help you?” The receptionist, Poppy greets you as you enter the room, her normal smile plastered on her face.

“I would like to pick Mia up early, please.” You say as you reach the front desk, bracing your hands on the desk.

“Is everything okay?” Poppy asks, picking up on your worried expression instantly.

“Tim’s in the hospital.” You say quietly and Poppy’s eyes widen slightly, making her nod as she gets up from her seat.

“I’ll go and get her.” She says quickly, excusing herself and heading off to find Mia and bring her to you. Poppy was only gone for about five minutes and soon returned with Mia skipping along by her side.

“Momma!” Mia exclaims happily, rushing into your outstretched arms as you crouch down to catch her in your arms.

“Hi, Sweetie.” You greet her, trying not to let your voice wobble with emotion as you straighten up, taking her hand in yours and taking her bag from her with your spare hand as you thank Poppy before walking Mia out to your car, helping her into her car seat and buckling her in.

“Where are we going, Momma?” Mia asks, her voice filled with innocence as she watches you carefully. And as much as you wanted to protect her, you knew you couldn’t lie to her.

“Daddy’s in the hospital so we need to go and make sure he’s okay.” You explain, brushing some baby hairs away from her face as she frowns, eyebrows furrowing as she puts everything together in her head.

“Daddy’s hurt?” She asks quietly, making you realise she was thinking of when Tim was last hurt on the job.

“I’m not sure, Sweetie. The doctors will tell me what’s happened when we get there and then we can check on him.” You say softly, leaning forward to press a gentle kiss to the top of her head before you get behind the wheel, driving to the hospital. When you find a place to park, you help Mia out of the car, walking alongside her hand in hand while you call Angela, letting her know where you’re entering the hospital so she can meet you. It took you less than five minutes to locate Angela.

“Auntie Angie!” Mia calls out, rushing over to Angela who scoops Mia up in her arms, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

“Hey, Mia.” Angela greets you with a smile before looking over at you.

“How is he?” You ask quietly, watching Angela’s reaction carefully.

“He seems to be okay. He woke up before they got him into the hospital. He actually helped one of our rookies out of a tough spot. The doctors are waiting for you, I’ll keep an eye on Mia. I think you need some time alone with Tim first.” Angela says, causing you to let out a sigh of relief as you thank Angela quietly before crossing to the nurse's desk.

“Hello, I’ve been told my husband, Tim Bradford has been brought here. Can I see him?” You ask, watching as the nurse glances at you with a smile.

“Let me just get the doctor for you.” They say, paging the doctor who arrives in what feels like record time and quickly locates you still standing by the desk.

“Mrs. Bradford?” The doctor greets you softly, making you turn to face him with a smile and a nod.

“Yes. Is Tim okay?” You ask, desperate for answers.

“Your husband is okay. All his test results have come back clear and an allergic reaction to the vaccine caused his passing out.” The doctor explains, a smile on her face as you nod, happy tears coming to your eyes.

“Can I see him? Is that okay?” You ask, your fingers drifting to your wedding ring as you twist it nervously around your ring finger.

“Yes, you may. Follow me and I’ll take you to his room.” She says with a nod, turning and leading you to a room, stopping by the door and encouraging you to head in. After a deep breath, you open the door and head into the room.

“y/n.” Tim breathes out softly from where he is sitting on the hospital bed. You didn’t respond at first, instead striding across the room, sitting alongside Tim on the bed, grabbing his face in your hands and kissing him strongly. You had no words for how relieved you were to see Tim alive and well so all you could do in this moment was kiss him.

“You scared the shit out of me.” You whisper, pulling away enough to speak, your lips brushing up against his as your hands drop from Tim’s face to his shoulders.

“I’m sorry. I promise it was never my intention to scare you. I thought today was going to be an easy day at work.” Tim admits quietly, lifting a hand to cup your cheek in his hand and brush a thumb over the apple of your cheek softly.

“Last time you said that was after you got shot. Maybe you should stop assuming work’s going to be easy.” You weakly attempt to joke, pulling back a little more as Tim lets out a light chuckle, dropping his hand from your cheek, reaching up and taking one of your hands in his, rubbing his thumb across your knuckles rhythmically.

“Sounds like I should,” Tim says softly. There was then a slight lull in conversation as you thought of what Tim had said to you on the phone earlier.

“Did… did you mean what you said about going out on your own terms? Would you have really-” You cut yourself off, tears already stinging your eyes at the mere thought of Tim taking his own life.

“If you had seen what that virus did to a person, you’d understand why it was a serious consideration. I didn’t want to go through what I had just seen that guy Peter go through. That virus was horrible, I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.” Tim explains, his eyes never leaving yours for a second as you nod lightly.

“So, you don’t feel like that normally? It was only because you thought you were sick with that virus?” You ask, watching Tim’s expression carefully.

“I promise you I don’t ever have thoughts like that. I’ve never been happier with my life than I am now. You and Mia are my life and you both make me so unbelievably happy. I promise.” Tim says, squeezing your hand to exaggerate his point. At his words, you nod, lifting your free hand to wipe the threatening tears away.

“You’d tell me if you ever felt like that. Wouldn’t you?” You ask softly, watching as Tim nods.

“Of course,” Tim whispers. Part of you knew that Tim had a tendency to keep his struggles to himself, but since starting a relationship with you he had gotten better at opening up about things so you at least had some comfort in the knowledge that he was more likely to come to you about any problems. With everything now discussed, you looked at Tim with a soft smile before speaking.

“Would you like to see Mia? She’s with Angela in the waiting room.” You say, not missing how Tim’s eyes lit up at the mention of his daughter.

“She’s here?” He asks, watching as you nod with a smile.

“I’ll go and grab her now.” You say, standing up and pressing a quick kiss to the top of Tim’s head before exiting the room and heading back to the waiting room where you see Mia sitting on a chair as a female police officer stands behind the chair as she did Mia’s hair. You didn’t know who this officer was but judging by everyone’s smiles, she was a good one.

“Momma! Look! Lucy did my hair!” Mia exclaims excitedly, hopping off the chair and showing off the braids she now had in her hair and when you hear Mia name the police officer, you realise that she must be the one who called you earlier.

“It’s very pretty, Mia! Did you thank Lucy?” You ask, guiding Mia back towards the group of gathered police officers.

“Thank you, Lucy!” Mia chirps, rushing over to the rookie who smiles and shakes her head.

“No need to thank me. Mia’s a sweetheart.” Lucy at first says to Mia before looking up at you and directing her next sentence to you.

“Aw thank you. But in all seriousness, I should be thanking you for calling me about Tim in the first place.” You thank Lucy gratefully, feeling like you owe her so much.

“Tim asked me to call you for him. All I did was dial the number.” Lucy says in an attempt to downplay what she did.

“You still let me know about what happened. That means a lot.” You say, smiling at Lucy who nods with a shy smile of her own.

“I’d love to spend time chatting but I promised Tim I’d bring Mia to see him. But I would love to get to know you all properly at some point.” You say apologetically, taking Mia’s hand in your own and bidding the gathered officers a hurried goodbye before heading off in the direction of Tim’s hospital room. As they watch you leave, Nolan and Jackson move to stand by Lucy’s side.

“Tim had a whole secret family and no one knew but Angela?” Jackson asks, glancing over at his training officer who shrugs with a grin.

“It helps to be the one who introduced them,” Angela says proudly, making the rookies exchange a look.

“She’s basically the polar opposite of Tim,” Nolan says, wondering why Angela had thought you and Tim would’ve made a good couple.

“They say opposites attract and I just knew y/n and Tim would work,” Angela says, folding her arms across her chest as the other rookies begin to bombard her with questions.

Meanwhile, you led Mia to Tim’s hospital room, opening the door and encouraging her to enter the room, seeing how she smiled upon seeing her dad.

“Daddy!” She says happily, rushing over to Tim’s bedside as Tim smiles widely.

“Hi, Sweetheart,” Tim says, holding an arm open to encourage Mia to hop up alongside him but you both see her hesitation as you pull up a chair alongside the bedside, settling into it. You exchange a glance with Tim before you realise why it is she was hesitating to join Tim.

“You’re not going to hurt Daddy, Sweetie.” You say softly. You remembered how when Tim got shot and was in the hospital last, Mia had rushed into his hospital room and nearly jumped up alongside him so you had warned Mia to be careful and to not jump on him while he was hurt.

“I’m not hurt, Princess. I promise.” Tim says, smiling softly at your daughter as he extends his arm out once again, and this time Mia carefully climbs up on the bed alongside him and curls into his embrace, resting her head on his chest.

“How long have you got off this time?” You ask lightly as Tim runs a hand up and down Mia’s back.

“At least two weeks,” Tim says, remembering what the doctor had told him just so they could play on the side of caution.

“Oh good, that’s plenty of time for you to reconsider my idea of getting a dog.” You say with a smile, watching as Tim jokingly glares at you while Mia perks up.

“Yes! Get a dog!” She says excitedly, curling up closer to Tim and attempting to give him puppy dog eyes.

“We’ve been over this,” Tim says, looking pointedly at you as you smile innocently.

“Please, Daddy.” Mia pleads, cuddling impossibly closer as Tim rolls his eyes jokingly.

“I will consider it.” Tim concedes, sighing as you and Mia share a high-five. As you settle back in your seat, you reach across and rest your hand atop Tim’s free hand, smiling as you watch him press a gentle kiss atop Mia’s head.

As you watched Tim interacting with Mia, you were filled with overwhelming gratitude that Tim was okay. He was so important to you and Mia and you dreaded the mere thought of him not being around anymore. But he was alive and healthy, and you knew that he would not let anything get in between him and his family.

He’d always make his way home to you.

[wafflesinthe504]

The Rookie 5x11 Thoughts

Spoilers for The Rookie 5x11 below. If you've watched the episode or don't care about spoilers, please enjoy!

The cold open with Nolan and Celina responding to an online/ metaverse robbery was pretty funny. I mean honestly what would they even really be able to do. Like the stuff that was stolen in the metaverse probably did cost real money for the woman, but since its all online how would they even try to recover it? Get a programmer to get the stuff back.

Also when Nolan put the VR headset on and was just falling had me cracking up.

Y'all, we are actually in Chenford secret dating era and I am loving it already. Tim is so head over heels for Lucy that he can't even make up a fake story for what he was doing last night other than hanging out with Lucy. The whole first scene with them in break room was just so cute. And Nolan being completely oblivious. Honestly, out of everyone in the Mid-Wilshire crew Nolan is probably the only one who genuinely has no clue about Time and Lucy. Also Tim and Lucy making plans for 'nothing' later on was great.

Everything that happened before the first commercial break just had me smiling so much.

Aaron basically volunteering Tim to coach the little league team when the third coach quits. Him trying to backtrack but the suggestion but its already too late Genny and Tyler both love the idea of Uncle Tim coaching the little league team. Seeing Tim just be so soft with the team and trying to make sure they're having fun was so cute. And then hearing Genny explain why just made my heart break a little for Tim.

Tim and Lucy co- coaching the little league was adorable. Lucy helping Tim give the kids some structure and being so competitive when it came to the actual game. It was funny to see them sort of switch places when it came to coaching because we've seen Tim yelling and jumping up and down while watching a football game but from what we know about Lucy she's not really into football. It seems like she has a bit of a deeper connection with baseball or maybe its because she has a deeper involvement with coaching that we got to see her being more open and competitive about it.

Alright, now to more of the actual plot points of the episode. We get our introduction to the case by now other than Angela's older (and probably best looking) brother Damien. I was so happy to see Damien again. Really any time we get to see more of the team's families I always get excited. I really didn't think we'd see Angela's brothers again after the one episode they were all in.

Damien's reported missing person leads to the discovery of multiple bodies behind a fake wall and the potential start of gang war breaking along with everyone debating whether or not true evil exists.

I really enjoyed hearing the everyone's perspective on the debate and you could tell how their individual experiences and beliefs have informed them of their answers to the question.

When it was revealed that Elijah Stone was the one behind the murders and the setup I wasn't surprised. I figured The Rookie would end up circling back around to Elijah eventually since he was released from jail and forced Wesley to apologize on live TV. Come on the writers couldn't just let the bad guy win. Our protagonists have to get the chance to put Elijah behind bars.

I'm personally pretty excited to see how this storyline with Elijah ends. My one hope is that they don't kill Elijah like they did with Rosalind and La Fiera. There is more than one way to beat the antagonist that doesn't involve killing them.

Lucy got her own case. I really enjoyed seeing her teach the Citizens Academy students. Yo, that one person who was stupid enough to go into a police station with an outstanding warrant was really bold. I was cracking up as she was arrested.

I liked seeing Lucy's empathy shine through as she tried to help the DA victim. She continually reached out to the victim and even tried to get the her to come to the stark reality of her situation. In my opinion I think that this DA storyline was handled better than Bailey's.

Seeing Lucy absolutely wreck that guy was awesome to see. I don't think I'll ever get tired of seeing Lucy engaging in hand-to-hand combat.

Bonus: Bailey and Nolan being to kind to be able to be landlords is too funny. I can't believe that Bailey really let the elderly folks go 6 months without paying rent. And then to find out that the elderly couple were renting it out for *that* was crazy.

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Hope you enjoyed. If you want come chat with me in the comments about anything The Rookie related.

Until next time have a good day or night.

[russellshaws]

🤡 😈 💔

🤡 What's a line, scene, or exchange you've written that made you laugh?: trying to figure this out was legitimately bonkers bc i remember nothing about any of my fics BUT i do recall cracking up like, the whole time i wrote you're my christmas (a gift that's sure to last), because it's just like...a bunch of half-drunk party banter between everyone at mid-wilshire. i find those scenes difficult to write but also very fun at the same time. especially tickled by:

Tim’s not surprised to find her now holding court with Bailey, Nolan, and James, her drink in one hand, her other gesturing wildly around her head as the group laughs at her. He slides the plate onto the counter between them, then drapes his arm around her lazily, his fingers curving around her waist as she continues what seems to be a story about the two of them, if the looks he’s getting from Nolan and James are any indicator. “So, I’m about three jello shots in and I’m already not having a great time, especially because somebody,” she pokes Tim in the ribs with her thumb, “isn’t even wearing an ugly sweater, which we’d discussed him doing the night before.” Tim realizes she’s talking about the year before and shakes his head, but a smile eases its way onto his face as he takes another sip of his whiskey. “That’s the least surprising thing you’ve said so far,” Nolan shrugs, popping a miniature crab cake into his mouth. “I don’t know why you expected Tim to show up in an ugly sweater. I don’t think he owns one.” “I don’t,” Tim nods, raising his glass over to Nolan. “See?” Lucy scoffs, rolling her eyes. “Okay, that’s not the point at all.”  “No, the point is that he was supposed to at least have an ugly sweater on,” Bailey offers, gesturing with her wine glass. “I’m sure it would’ve been way easier to ignore him if he had looked,” she trails off, glancing over at Tim. “Yeah, if he hadn’t looked ridiculously attractive.” “The man can’t help that,” James shrugs, and Tim wrinkles his nose down at Lucy, his eyes narrow. “Why are we doing this?"

😈 Has there been a point in a story where you did something just to be playfully mean to your readers?: i feel like the answer to this is supposed to be yes but is probably no? i am sure there are moments it's felt like it but i am typically just kind of like bopping around writing in a vacuum and then when people read it i'm like oh right that was released publicly heh

except maybe we're all ghost stories at the end. that fic i totally wrote to be mean to my readers in a non-playful way. whoops!

💔 Is there a fic of yours that broke your heart?: oof...i think about the tim from maybe we're all ghost stories at the end a lot, but i feel like none of the other fic-chenfords i have in my head have really broken my heart. now, the little chenfords that live in unwritten things and swirl around my brain all the time? they break my heart 10 to 1. which is silly to say because most of them will never make it onto the page for me, but i think that's why they break my heart more. because the fics i write usually have resolution or at least enough of one that i feel comfortable letting them go, ya know?

anyway this is long let's just pretend i answered this question normally

[angelenohq]

in the city of angels.

NAME: Jacob Hartland FACE CLAIM: Ben Barnes AGE & DATE OF BIRTH: 41 & August 20th, 1981 HOMETOWN: London, England TIME IN LOS ANGELES: 9 years NEIGHBORHOOD: Santa Monica OCCUPATION: Attending Cardiothoracic surgeon at Wilshire Memorial Hospital, medical researcher/part time professor at UCLA

biography.

trigger warning: divorce

They say that this story began in the summer of 1979, when an American cardiothoracic surgeon by the name of William Walker had traveled across the pond to attend a medical conference in London. An extremely gifted surgeon, and medical researcher in his own right, his passion for medicine–and his ambition to develop the world’s first artificial heart had brought him all the way to Oxford University–where he had been invited to present his research to an audience of some of the most successful doctors, and medical researchers in the field of regenerative medicine.

Truth be told, William had only accepted the invitation in hopes of getting to meet the esteemed physicians whom he had always looked up to, and a trip to London with all of the expenses covered by the university had seemed to be quite the incentive. But what had come out of this trip had been far from anything that he could have expected when he had first arrived–he had received a job offer from the University of Oxford to help them establish the Heart Centre at John Radcliffe Hospital, and he’d had a chance encounter with Celia Rose Kensington–a British heiress–at a charity event. At the time, she had been a student at the University of Oxford, attending the event on her father’s behalf. William had spent the entire evening trying to charm her in hopes of securing a rather generous donation from her father, but he had walked away with more than just a check.

It had been love at first sight–or at least, that was what all those who had been in attendance at that charity event had attested to when they had reunited at the couple’s wedding a year later. Some might even have claimed that they were moving too fast–as their courtship had only lasted a few months, and their engagement had been even shorter. Not to mention the fact that William had left behind his research fellowship at the University of Utah to take up the position at John Radcliffe Hospital, and to be with the woman he loved–much to his parents’ disappointment, considering that they had refused to attend the wedding. William, and Celia had tied the knot at the Kensington family’s country estate before settling down in Oxford, as she had been wrapping up her degree in Fine Art, and he had been working full-time at the hospital. A year later, on August 20th, 1981, they welcomed a son–Jacob Alexander Walker.

By the time Jake had turned a year old, the cracks in his parents’ marriage had begun to expand. With William working more hours at the hospital–still driven by his passion for medical research as he had been before he met his wife, and with Celia being left alone to raise her little boy on her own–things had come to a head by the end of that year. Coming to know that his former colleagues at the University of Utah Hospital had successfully implanted the world’s first artificial heart in a patient while he had been busy being a family man across the pond–it had been the final straw for William.

Frustrated that her husband’s ambition had always kept him from being there for their family–from being there for their son, Celia had asked him to walk away. If his need to succeed in the field of cardiothoracic surgery had been more important to him than his family, she had offered him a way out. She could raise their son on her own, just as she had been doing for over a year.

The divorce proceedings had been just as short as the duration of their courtship, engagement, and marriage. After coming to the agreement that Celia would have full physical custody of Jake, William had returned to America–taking up a position at the University of California Los Angeles, where he had thrived as the principal researcher at his own regenerative medicine lab, dedicating his entire life to the advancement of medicine.

Celia, on the other hand, had dedicated her whole life to raising her son–hoping to see him grow up to be a fine gentleman, and also making a name for herself. She had been far too young when she had married William–nineteen when she met him, married at twenty, twenty-one when she’d had Jake, and twenty-two by the time they had been divorced. Thankfully, she’d had the support of her family, and close friends; they had all encouraged her to get her life back together. She had established herself as a successful artist, going as far as even having some of her pieces hanging at The National Gallery.

Even though Jake had been four years old when his mother had met his step-father, Vincent Hartland was the only father he had ever known. A politician who’d had a much more humble beginning in comparison to the Kensington’s, Vincent had accepted him as his own son when he had married Celia–even going as far as asking the eight year old boy for his mother’s hand, and legally adopting him soon after. To say that Jake had a wonderful, and loving childhood would be quite the understatement. As the only son of Vincent, and Celia Hartland, he had thrived. A gifted child, his impeccable grades, and his interest in his extracurriculars had caused him to be their pride, and joy. But it had all changed one day–it was the day Jake’s life had turned upside down.

Following his A-levels, Jake had expressed to his parents his interest to pursue a career in medicine–much to Celia’s disapproval. It had come as a surprise to the teenager, as most parents would have been proud if their child had told them that they wanted to become a doctor–a heart surgeon at that. But not Celia. She had told him that he could become anything he’d ever wanted, but just not a doctor. One thing led to another, and Jake had found out the truth about his father–William Walker, the man who had abandoned his own son for the sake of his career. While Jake had not felt any anger, or resentment towards the man–he was no father of his, Vincent was–the knowledge had sparked a fire within him. He wanted to become a successful cardiothoracic surgeon, but to also not turn out to be like the man who had walked away from him. He wanted to be a better surgeon, and a better man. That was the promise that he had made to his mother, and he had succeeded.

After graduating from the University of Oxford School of Medicine at the age of twenty-three, and completing his surgical residency in cardiothoracic surgery by the time he was twenty nine, Jake had gone on to become one of the finest surgeons in the country. Within three years, he had earned himself a reputation as a fine surgeon–pioneering in advanced surgical techniques, and publishing cutting-edge medical research. An article that he had published on using stem cells to bioprint synthetic hearts for the use of transplantation had garnered so much attention that he had received job offers from hospitals all over the world to pursue further research–while he had no intention to leave the UK by any means, an offer from the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles had caught his eye. After all, Jake had become the very thing that his biological father had aspired to be when he had walked away from him–what could be more poetic than to let him see that the son he had abandoned had succeeded in becoming a better surgeon, and a better man?

It had been nine years since Dr. Jake Hartland had arrived in Los Angeles, settling in the neighborhood of Santa Monica. After taking over as the primary researcher at the regenerative medicine lab at UCLA, and driving William into retirement–not intentionally, he continues to conduct groundbreaking research, perform complicated surgeries as an attending cardiothoracic surgeon at Wilshire Memorial Hospital, and occasionally teaches at the medical school. An extreme workaholic with a non-existent personal life, and commitment issues���could anyone really blame him–he is under the impression that he is living his best life, but that’s subject to change.

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[sgtbradfords]

Could you write chenford, and the rest of the team, attending the annual police dinner/event please? Thank you!

You’re welcome Anon and thank you for the prompt! I hope you’re ready for the fluff fest ;)

Lucy Chen had just finished putting on the final touches of her makeup in the bathroom, the floor length red dress she had bought last paycheck was laid on the bed, her black pumps on the floor as she quickly ran around the room.

She was going to be late, he would be here to pick her up and she would not be ready.

“Lucy!” Jackson West voice carried through the crack in her door as he yelled from his bedroom. “Have you seen my bowtie?”

“Have you checked the shoebox on the top shelf in your closet?” She yelled back, putting her earrings in, moving for her necklace.

A few minutes later Jackson yelled back his thanks, a knock on the front door making her curse as she quickly slipped on the dress, pulling up the side zipper.

She could hear Jackson open the door, greeting the person on the other side.

“Chen let’s go!” another voice yelled. “We’re going to be late!”

She huffed, grabbing her heels, walking out the bedroom door. “When they made you Sergeant they didn’t mean drill sergeant Bradford.”

“Damn girl.” Complimented Jackson. “The picture you sent me did no justice and you’re right, your ass does look amazing.”

Tim cleared his throat. “You two ready?”

“Yes.” Lucy said as they headed for the door. “Wait, no.” she exclaimed frantically running back to her room, returning with a black clutch in her free hand.

The trio made their way to the elevator, the car not moving since Tim had gotten off of it five minutes ago. Lucy shoved the clutch into Tim’s hands before placing a hand on his shoulder to balance herself as she threw her heels on, one foot at a time. Tim looked over at her, arching an eyebrow as she placed both feet back on the floor shrugging. “Don’t lecture me about what may be on the floor. I was rushed.”

The car made it to the floor, the three getting off as they made their way to Tim’s truck.

“Any word on Angela?” asked Lucy as they got in, buckling.

“Wesley texted me on the drive over that she was about to break his hand.”

“Well, as soon as we know something, we are heading over, award be damned.” Muttered Lucy.

Tim rolled his eyes, “I’ll let you tell that to the police commissioner Chen.”

“Fine, we go up there, accept the award and leave.”

Jackson laughed. “Lucy, there’s politics involved, you two have to wine and dine.”

“But I don’t want to.” She whined.

“I’ll tell you what boot, we stay for two hours, we schmooze for Mid-Wilshire, accept the award and then we can go check on Lopez.”

“Hour and a half?”

“You did put a lot of effort into getting dressed for tonight Lucy.” Offered Jackson.

“You two are making it sound like a date.”

“If a date only lasts two hours, then someone is doing something wrong.” Tim pointed out. “It’s not a date.”

“Fine. They can have me for two hours, two and a half at max and that’s it.” She countered as Tim pulled up to a parking garage.

An hour later they were seated at the table assigned for their department, joined by Sergeant Grey and his wife, John Nolan and his date.

“And now, we would like to honor one of our former Training Officers and his Rookie. On August 28th of this year, Sergeant Tim Bradford and Officer Lucy Chen of the Mid-Wilshire division were patrolling in the area of Westchester when they spotted large amounts of smoke coming from a residence. Our two brave officers were able to get on scene, finding the elderly couple still inside. They were able to pull both of them from the burning house, administering lifesaving medicine to Mr. Hilt. Sergeant Bradford and Officer Chen went above and beyond the call of duty which is why on the behalf of the LAPD they are receiving the Distinguished Service award. If we could at this time, Sergeant Bradford, Officer Chen please come forward to receive this award.”

The crowd began clapping as Tim and Lucy stood, moving towards the stage. They approached, smiling and posing for pictures as the Commissioner presented their individual awards before public relations pulled them backstage for more pictures.

“I feel like I’ve been smiling for hours. Is my face permanently frozen?” Lucy asked, turning around as they headed back towards the table. “Because it feels like it is.”

Tim smiled as he rolled his eyes. “No Chen, your face is not permanently frozen.”

The Commissioner continued handing out awards before announcing for everyone to have a safe and pleasant night, a band playing music as the higher ups began making their way to the dance floor.  

“Lucy,” Jackson said to her, standing as he held out his hand. “would you care for a dance?”

Lucy smiled as they walked to the dance floor. “I will apologize in advance for any bruised toes.”

They danced for a few songs before Lucy felt a tap on her shoulder. “May I?”

Jackson let go as he looked at Lucy, an eyebrow raised in question. “I’d love to.”

Lucy placed her left hand on her new dance partner’s shoulder, her right hand into his left.

“Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight, Officer Chen?” he whispered as they swayed.

She blushed. “You have not, but you don’t look half bad either Sergeant Bradford.”

“Only half bad?” he asked, smirking as Lucy lightly slapped his shoulder.

“You’re incorrigible.” She told him as she placed her forehead on his shoulder. “I am remembering why I don’t wear shoes with more than a two-inch heel.”

“Because it’s not a good weapon?”

“No. Though that is a good point. My feet are killing me.”

Tim was about to respond when his phone began buzzing in the pocket of his suit jacket, a joyous smile overtaking his face. “There’s only one person that could be.”

“Angela?”

“It’s baby time.” They walked back over, her hand still in his as he told the table, the table collecting their belongings in a hurry.

They arrived at the hospital twenty minutes later, the group heading for the maternity ward waiting room, finding it empty.

Wesley entered through the double doors thirty minutes later, grinning from ear to ear.

“7 pounds, 2 ounces, 23 and a half inches long.”

Congratulations were made as they each took turns hugging the new dad. “How are they?”

“Good, they just finished up the newborn tests and Angela is feeding her right now. She is insisting you guys get to see her first. Not to brag but she is the cutest baby you’ll ever see.” Wesley said as he took a seat across from the group, taking a moment to let the evening sink in.

Wesley asked about the gala, as they asked about their new family member. Ten minutes later his phone began ringing as he told them about who she looked like more. “That was Ang, they only let a few people back at once, but she has asked for Tim, Lucy and Jackson to come back first.” He grinned, leading the three back.

Wesley knocked as he entered, quietly walking into the room as the other three joined.

“Hey.” Angela said, a tired smile on her face as she looked up from the baby asleep in her arms.

“Congratulations Mama.” Lucy said as she moved closer to the bed.

“Thanks, I’ve already decided I will not be doing that again anytime soon, no matter how cute babies are.” Angela confessed as she ran a finger over the sleeping infants face, the newborn suckling on her lower lip.

“Do you have a name yet?”

“After everything we have been through with De La Cruz, we decided she needed a strong name, fitting for her. We agreed to wait and meet her before settling on a name but once we seen her, the name became fitting. So, we would like you to meet Morgan Amari Evers.” Explained Angela as she adjusted the baby so everyone could see.

“I have to say Wesley, she does have your nose.” Lucy pointed out from the side of the bed as Morgan opened her eyes. “Awwwe, hi baby.”

Angela cleared her throat. “We asked you guys in here for a reason, we’ve done a lot of thinking and we would like you three to be her god parents.”

The room fell silent as Jackson, Lucy and Tim stared down the new parents. “You’re closer than the family we’ve got, and should something ever happen we feel like she would be have the best care of in your capable hands.”

Angela worriedly looked at Wesley as Tim spoke first. “I would be honored.”

“Me too.” Lucy agreed.

Jackson nodded his head, “I’m in.”

“She’s going to kick ass and break hearts when she’s older Wesley, I hope you’re ready.”

They stayed for a few more minutes before leaving, not wanting to overstay, allowing Wade, John and Nyla their own turns to visit the family.

“Sterling’s downstairs Lucy, I’ll see you tomorrow?” Jackson told her, pocketing his phone as he headed towards the elevator, a nurse stepping off the opening car as he stepped on.

Lucy and Tim slowly followed behind, talking about the traits they seemed to have noticed baby Evers had inherited as they waited on the car.

“Did you ever want kids with Isabel?” asked Lucy.

“It was difficult with Isabel, one minute she would say she did and the next she was going undercover on a months long op. I would love to have one or two someday.” He confessed, sticking his hands in his pockets as he rocked back on his heels. “What about you?”

“Someday, with the right guy of course. My mother says she’s getting older and that I’m not getting any younger.” She told him rolling her eyes as they stepped on the car. “I would want to be in a good place first.”

Tim couldn’t help but imagine a younger version of Lucy running around, with big brown eyes and her long brown hair in pigtails as a boy with the same brown hair and blue eyes, barely a toddler himself pulled on the long hair. “Someday.” He whispered, a faint smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye at the thought of what the future could hold.

[formeandmyfics]

Jugenea Fan Fiction ‘LOCKED IN’

Because Judy & Gene are having ‘marriage on the rocks’, Sinatra & Bacall decide to do something about it. But, will their plan work out? 

Spring 1956

Gene stood at the end of the Bogart's driveway, next door to his home, as he took one last drag of his cigarette. He could hear the sounds of steel drum and ukulele music echoing from the back yard, along with sounds of his rowdy friends, and many familiar cars lined the Beverly Hills street in front of their houses. Exhaling the smoke into the night sky, he then dropped the cigarette the the ground, and stepped on it before heading up the driveway.

When he walked through the gate, he saw that the Luau was in full swing. With strings of yard bulbs lit up over the party, he could see everyone was dressed in Caribbean attire, with women wearing flowered lei's, as they hung around the tiki bar or the large buffet table.

Gene's eyes scanned the crowd for one particular person, but didn't see her. There were many people, and being so short, sometimes it was hard to find her. It was, however, never hard to hear her, but right now that voice of hers was non-existent over the music and chatter.

"Hey, bud, you made it," Van said walking up next to him in a bright yellow shirt with palm trees all over it.

"Hey, hey," Gene said smiling wide as they gave a hug and pat on the back.

"Here," Van said reaching for one of the sea-shell lei's on the welcome table, "Lazar said entry into his birthday party is that everyone has to wear one."

"That's fine," Gene said as he bent so Van could place it around his neck, "I haven't been laid in a while."

"That's 'cause you were on the other side of the pond for 5 weeks."

Yeah, add three weeks on top of that five, Gene thought a little irritated, as they joined the crowd.

"His birthday was last month. Why are we having it 3 weeks late? Not that I'm complaining. I'm happy to be here."

"He was over in Australia, I think. Bogie wanted to throw him a party with all of us."

"Where is Swifty?"

Van motioned, pointing back and forth behind Gene. Gene turned around and saw the familiar 5'2 bald man in glasses in a serious conversation with Moss Hart, another client of Paul's, or 'Swifty' as they called him. 90% of everyone here was, or had been, a client of Swifty's at one time or another, including himself.

"Look at him," Van said, "He's at his Luau and he's still over there discussing work."

"And with Moss, too. They're probably closing some business deal."

"And it's probably regarding your wife," Van teased as Swifty was Judy's current agent and Moss was her last film director.

Gene took the cold beer that Van offered and scanned the crowd again when Lauren walked up in a halter top and grass skirt.

"How ya doin' suga," she said in her best Mae West accent.

"Hi, doll," he chuckled giving her a friendly peck on the lips, "How are you?"

"I'm good. We've missed you."

"Oh, I've missed you all, too. It's good to be home."

"How good," she asked cautiously raising her eyebrow.

"Haven't made it that far yet," he said taking a swig of his beer.

"I'm glad your back. My husband's been taking me on the boat in your absence. He's says I'm not as good of a skipper as you are."

"Oh, being on the boat again sounds amazing. The weather over in England is shit."

"Cloudy?"

"Rainy and cloudy. Imagine spending over a month in that."

"Well, it definitely hasn't been like that here. It's actually been quite warm for this time of the year."

"Good. Maybe I can take a dip in your pool tomorrow if it's warm enough."

"Oh, yeah, anytime."

"Where is your other half, by the way," Gene asked.

"Over there at the Tiki Bar," she said, and in perfect timing the group of men there burst out in a roar of laughter, "They've just started doing the Jack Daniels."

"Oh, it's about to get fun then," Gene laughed.

"You know it. Oh, and your other half is in the house with Junie if you're wondering. I'll be right back."

Gene looked at the back patio door, as if he expected Judy to come walking out at that moment. When she didn't he started walking to go in, but he suddenly heard his best friend's unmistakable, but slightly intoxicated, voice.

"Gene!"

The other men joined in seeing him, as it'd been over a month, and he couldn't help but get pulled into their welcome circle.

Judy sat at the island in the large kitchen as June made them both another Mai Tai and discussed 'You Can't Run Away From It', a movie she was almost done filming at Columbia.

"As much as I love my husband, I gotta tell ya, it's been a little annoying working with him like this, as the producer and director, and then coming home together. I don't know how you did it with Vincente."

"During The Pirate, it was hard. It was really hard. I wasn't in the best shape, mentally, but I think working together like that put a lot of strain on our marriage. That's why I wanted him replaced on Easter Parade. I didn't want it to make our marriage worse, but it didn't matter in the end, anyways. I didn't understand it because I loved working with him on St. Louis and The Clock."

"That's because you two weren't married then. You didn't have to come home together afterwards."

Judy giggled, "That's true."

"Do you think if Gene directed you in something right now, you'd be as annoyed with him as I am with Richie?"

Judy put on a smile. She heard her friend's frustrated tone, and knew it was a hypothetical question, but it hit pretty good.  

"Well, I don't have to work with him to get 'annoyed' at him, but actually, it's the opposite with us. We work so well together, you know? He knows the way I work. He directed me in all the dance choreography for the last two films we shot together, and we weren't married then, but it always brings us closer together when we work. It's been hard going in two different directions, professionally. Working together is all we've known, it's how we met. And even after I left Metro, he was there helping me when I started my concert career and he was there to help me when I went over to Warner Bros for A Star is Born."

"And now you're away doing concert tours and he's making films."

"Yep."

"Or, he's away making films and you're here doing albums."

Judy sighed, resting her cheek in her hand, "Yes, June."

"But you always come back to each other. You're back from that small tour up north and he's finally back from London. Didn't he get back yesterday?"

"Yeah. Yesterday morning. He spent the afternoon with the kids when I was at the recording studio."

"I spoke to Pete on the phone this morning. He said he is subletting his Wilshire Terrace condo to Gene for a little while."

"That's what I've been told," Judy said licking her lips before taking a sip of her fresh cocktail.

"It's convenient, as it's literally right down the road, but...what the hell, Judy?"

Judy nudged her shoulders, "It's his decision."

"I know you, my friend, and I know Gene, which means I also know that you have a lot to do with that decision of his," June said in a motherly voice as she waved a skewer of sliced oranges and grapes at Judy.

Judy huffed and grabbed the skewer before June poked her in the eye, "Give it."

"Have you seen him yet since he got back?"

"Not yet. Frank said he was going to stop over here tonight, though.”

Just then there was a roar from a bunch of men followed by laughing. Junie turned to look out the window behind her.

“What’s going on out there,” Judy asked.

“I don’t know. Looks like the guys are up to something.”

“My gosh, they’re making a lot of noise,” Judy said getting up to follow behind her friend out the door.

They walked to where the group of men stood but first saw Lauren cracking up pointing.

“What is going on,” Judy giggled to Lauren.

Just then the crowd parted and there stood a few of the men in straw hats, bare chested, with coconut bras on. When Judy saw this, she laughed hysterically, grabbing onto Lauren’s hand for support, as the two women almost doubled over.

When Gene saw Judy happily laughing, it made him smile. He hadn’t seen her like that for a while. When their eyes finally met, they were both chuckling, and he took that opportunity to walk up to her. But he did so in a sexy stride and tilted his straw hat on his head, the way she does with her fedora in her Get Happy number.

“What do you think,” he asked smiling proud.

Judy giggled and placed her fingers on her lips as she looked down at the bra covering part of his naked torso, “I think you look ridiculous.”

“Good, just was I was going for.”

“This the funniest thing I’ve ever seen. I can’t believe you’re all wearing those.”

“Touch em,” he said playfully grabbing her wrist but she quickly pulled her hand away laughing.

“Get out of here.”

“Wanna try em’ on,” he said untying the back.

When they were off, she took it from him and examined the petite, wooden cup, “Darling, I’m afraid they’re a bit wee small for my liking.”

“Let me see,” he laughed and took the bra back. He was about too place it up to her chest when she pushed him away, crossing her arms.

Gene laughed and took his big, straw hat off and placed it on top of her head.

“This is not what I was expecting once you got back home, but it’s pretty damn funny,” she said adjusting the hat.

“What were you expecting,” he asked, his tone a little more serious.

“I don’t want to talk about it right now,” she said taking the hat off, “Can you please put your shirt back on, we’re at a party.”

“Yes, dear,” he said in the all-too-familiar husband voice.

After Gene grabbed his shirt that was sitting by the tiki bar and put it back on, he found Judy sitting at a vacant picnic table. He immediately sat next to her, beer in hand.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t home yesterday when you got back.”

“It’s okay. I know you were working.”

“The kids were so happy to be with you again. They couldn’t stop talking about it,” she smiled.

“I gotta tell ya the truth, I got teary eyed. I missed the all so much. I’m glad Liza was there, too.” “You handled all four of them alone, huh,” she asked with a raised eyebrow as she needed help doing it herself.

“Oh, sure, but they were on their best behaviour, just because it was my homecoming I’m sure.”

“Kerry spent the night for a few days.”

“She told me. She said you took her to Capitol Records with you. She thought it was the coolest thing ever, her words.”

“Well, I promised to take her shopping and out to eat, but I had to record a song up at the tower first. She insisted she wanted to go with. I thought she’d be bored.”

“Oh, no. I think it’s thrilling to her. You know how excited she gets whenever she gets to come to the studio or one of your shows.”

“For a few hours, it was just the two of us. I’ve only been able to do that a few times with her since we got married, but now that she’s a teenager, it’s a different kind of bonding. I really enjoyed it.”

“I really appreciate you doing that for her, and treating her like your own ever since we moved in together. I cannot believe it’s been six years already.”

“I know, and I can say the same thing about you and Liza.”

“How’s the album coming along?”

“It’s going really great. I love the playlist.”

“Is there a title yet?”

“Oh, yes, one that I think beats my last title.”

“What can be better than ‘Miss Show Business’,” he asked dramatically.

“Judy.”

“Judy,” he repeated and she nodded with a gleam in her eye, “Well, damn, that does beat it. That’s not original at all.”

She laughed, genuinely, and reached down to scratch the bandage over her ankle. He remembered her telling him about her ankle sprain. They hadn’t spoken much over the phone while he was away. When they had, it was distant and cold and only about the children. The one time they actually spoke like a married couple was when their daughter had told him that Mama broke her ankle. When Gene had gotten Judy on the phone, worried, she told him about the sprain while she was in Frisco. He was happy that she was okay and at least didn’t break it. Judy reminded him that their daughter had an affiliation for over-exaggeration but thanked him for caring.

“How long do you have to keep the bandage on?”

“Two more weeks, just so I don’t sprain it again. It’s just a wrap. I don’t have to walk like a toy soldier or anything.”

“Does it hurt,” he asked taking her ankle gently and lifting it on his lap.

“It’s sore if I’m on it for long periods of time, but doesn’t hurt. It developed a nasty bruise though.”

He undid the bandage and there he saw her a large bruise over half of her foot now fading.

“Shit, Judy.”

“I don’t even know how I did it,” she giggled.

“Probably falling down while you’re sleepwalking,” he said putting the bandage back on.

“I don’t sleepwalk.”

“Whose that walking around the house at 3 a.m., a ghost,” he teased.

“Yeah, the ghost of Dorothy’s past.”

He looked at her as she smiled, looking down as she stretched her bare legs straight. His eyes traveled up them to the tight, and short, high-waisted white shorts she wore. A yellow, mid-drift shirt was tied around her waist, with a matching bandage holding up her hair, and a pink lay of flowers was around her neck. She looked very cute, and more radiant, than she had the last time he saw her. Of course he had watched her GE performance on television like everyone else, and noticed she had lost about 10 pounds, but now in front of him, she looked younger as well.

When her eyes didn’t meet his, he knew that she knew, that he was staring. So, he leaned over and whispered in her ear, “You look so beautiful.”

Across the way, Lauren nudged Frank with her elbow, to get his attention. When she had it, she motioned for him to look at their two best friends. When he did, it was just in time to see Judy look up at Gene, smiling, flattered by his comment.

“They’re getting along,” Frank said.

“Let’s hope it stays that way. I’m not looking for a repeated performance of what happened last time they were at my place.”

“What happened,” he asked.

“It was a few days before he left for Europe…” she said trailing off.

*

“Judy! Open the door! Judy! I swear, I’ll break it down!” Gene’s yelling caused the dog next door to start barking as Lauren walked around the bushes that separated their yards. “You’ll huff, and you’ll puff, and you’ll blow the house down,” she said, her arms crossed in front of her. “Oh, Jesus,” he slurred. “May I ask what you’re doing?” “She locked me out. She took my god damn keys and now all the doors are locked.” “Why did she take your keys,” she responded calmly. “Because she didn’t want me going out even though I had these plans for the past few weeks,” he smiled with his finger up like he was smarter, “So, I had Frank come pick me up. Ah ha, she couldn’t stop me then.” “She took your keys because you were probably drinking before you left,” Lauren responded matter-of-factly. Gene swatted his hand and shook his head, “You don’t know what you’re talking about.” He turned back to their front door trying the knob as if it was going to miraculously open again, “OPEN THE FUCKING DOOR!” Lauren slightly jumped and placed her finger on her temple,“Dear, she isn’t home.” “Yes, she is. Her car’s right there.” “She . isn’t . home,” she slowly stated in aggravation. “Then where the hell is she?” Lauren pointed to her own house and Gene rolled his eyes before heading that way.            Judy was singing at the piano, as Kay played, when Gene entered the living room, Lauren on his heels. It was a small group, as Bogie, June & Richie watched. Gene was ready to have words, but seeing Judy singing, he sighed and composed himself.  No one interrupted when Judy Garland was singing, not even her own husband.

When Judy saw Gene, singing loudly through a long note, she nonchalantly lifted her left hand giving him the bird. The room turned to look whom she was flipping off and Gene looked at Lauren who smiled, putting her finger up to her lips to shush him. “Whatever you did, maybe you should apologize,” a man in his late 20’s said with a chuckle, as he walked up to Gene out of nowhere. “Why are you immediately taking her side…‘cause she’s got the tits,” Gene asked as if talking to a friend, but then when he looked, he didn’t recognize the guy. “Yeah,” the man chuckled. “Who are you?” “And if you don’t make up, maybe I’ll end up having the tits, too. Hi, I’m Robert,” the man’s voice was full of sarcasm, clearly joking, and he extended his hand happily to introduce himself but Gene turned red. In his current state, with the current circumstances, Gene took the comment the wrong way and saw red. He suddenly grabbed the guy by the collar with his fists and baked him up to the wall startling everybody. “Don’t fucking talk about my wife,” he shouted. “Oh, Jesus,” Judy said and quickly ran over. Robert put his hands up, “Whoa, I was joking! BACK OFF MAN!” “Gene!” Lauren shouted. Bogie grabbed Gene from behind, calmly, to back him off but Gene just stared at the man, still in a hold. Suddenly Judy was next to them. “Gene, that’s Lauren’s cousin, now BACK OFF,” she hissed. Hearing her voice, suddenly brought him back to reality, and he let go. He looked at the man with complete remorse, helping him smooth his jacket. “I’m sorry.” They watched as Gene walked out of the room, running his hand through his hair. When he passed Richie & Junie, the two looked at one another shocked. “I am so sorry, Robert. Please do forgive my husband. He’s not himself right now,” Judy pleaded. “He’s not usually like that,” Lauren added. “I thought we were joking around. I guess it got misunderstood.” “He’s a walking bottle of whiskey right now, hey, Judes,” Bogie asked a bit amused but she didn’t find it funny. Judy shook her head, looking at Lauren, before she walked the opposite direction that Gene went.

* Lauren handed Frank his fresh beer, “Judy really locked him out of the house that night. He spent the night in our guest room. I had never seen Gene’s temper like that.”

“Yeah,” Frank chimed in, “Even when drinking, he isn’t like that.”

“Judy really wasn’t lying about his temper becoming a problem.” “But from what he told me, Judy’s mood swings are a huge problem as well. With his temper like a short fuse, and her bi-polar moods, that ain't good. Do you know what they've been fighting about?"

"No clue. But Judy did tell me they had a blow out the day before he left. She said it was the worst fight they ever had. I guess they both said things that were pretty hurtful, attacking below the belt, and all. She doesn't know where their marriage stands right now."

“Well, maybe they’ve made up, or will later,” he said wickedly.

Judy turned her head away when Gene had leaned in to kiss her and it really pissed him off. He didn’t say anything, but his face said it all as he slowly leaned back from her.

“Gene, don’t,” she said. She wasn’t playing hard-to-get, she was serious.

Gene exhaled, not wanting to get into an argument, especially here at the party, “What are you doing tomorrow?”

“I have no definite plans.”

“Good. We need to talk.”

Judy didn’t like his tone one bit, “I’m not sure I’ll be in the mood to talk tomorrow.”

Hearing her actress voice, he whispered, “I don’t know what game you’re playing, but that thing you sent in the mail, is full of shit. Just know that.”

Without another word, Gene got up and walked away. Judy’s eyes followed him until he sat down in a chair by the pool.

Back across the way, Frank and Lauren looked at each other.

“Well, that didn’t last long,” Lauren said.

“I wish we could do something to help ‘em, you know?”

“What we ought to do is lock them in a room together until they figure things out.”

Frank nodded and took a swig of his beer but suddenly his eyes widened.

“Betty.”

“Hm?”

“I got an idea.”

Debbie Reynolds sat next to Judy, and playfully nudged her shoulder as she did so. Judy acknowledged her friend’s presence with a gentle smile, but that not-so-like-Judy welcome alerted Debbie.

“Alright, what’s wrong?”

“Oh, nothing for you to worry about, darling.”

“Man problems?”

“If you want to call it that, sure,” she giggled.

“Is it that time of the month for Gene,” Debbie joked.

“Yes, but for both of us, and has been that way for more than just a week, let me tell ya.”

“Oh, it’ll be okay. Every marriage has ups and downs.”

“I know,” Judy said a bit frustrated, “I’ve had my share of downs with my past two marriages, but not with Gene, at least not like this.”

The seriousness in her friend’s voice altered Debbie’s smile and she took Judy’s hand, “You’ll be okay, I promise.”

“How are you so sure?”

“Because it’s you two.”

They were quiet a moment before Debbie spoke up again, “Now, I have some exciting news to tell you that might turn that from upside down.”

“You’re pregnant,” Judy said joking.

“How’d you know,” Debbie answered gleefully.

“Wild guess,” Judy giggled back, still joking, but when she saw the look on Debbie’s face, her eyes grew wide, “Are you really?”

“October.”

Judy gasped, with a huge smile, before putting her in for a big hug, “Oh, darling, that’s wonderful. I’m so happy for you.”

“Thank you. We haven’t announced it to everyone yet, but I’m so thrilled.”

“Oh my goodness, I bet Eddie is excited.”

“Oh, he is. It’s not for another six months, but I think he’s already gone and bought cigars for when the baby’s born.”

Both girls laughed.

“Hey, Judes,” Frank said walking up.

“Yah, honey,” she asked turning to look at him over her shoulder.

“Can you stand up a moment?”

“Why?”

“Can you stand up a moment,” he repeated.

“No. Why?”

“Come on, come on.”

Judy and Debbie gave each other strange looks before Judy stood up, a little self conscious. Frank walked up arms length, and put his hand up so she would place her hand in his, which she did. He kept a hold of it and looked at her, as if observing her outfit.

“What the hell are you - what are you doing,” she asked now trying to get her hand away but he kept a hold of it.

“Mm hm, mm hm,” he said then all of a sudden yanked her to him and picked her up over his shoulder.

Judy gasped and grabbed onto the shirt of his back so she wouldn’t fall, “Frank,” she yelled, “Put me down!”

“No can do, babe,” he said as he started walking down the small hill.

“God dammit, Frank, put me down,” she continued and kicked her legs. Instead of a verbal response, he gave a small slap to her behind. Judy leaned up, angry, and hit his back in response to this. Everyone pointed and laughed as they watched Sinatra carry Judy over his shoulder down towards the pool.

Gene just lit his fresh cigarette, sitting on a poolside lounge, when he heard commotion coming his way. He turned to see Frank walking towards him as his wife angrily wiggled over his shoulder yelling vulgarities.

“What the fu--,” he mumbled as they got close but he was interrupted by Judy.

“Don’t you dare,” she said hitting Frank’s back again as she saw the pool in front of her. When Judy saw them about to pass her husband, he reached her hand out, “Gene!”

Gene immediately put his cigarette in his mouth, so he wouldn’t burn her as she almost violently reached to grab his hands. Laughing, Gene was able to grab her arms hanging off the back of Frank, and pulled. Frank kept a hold and took a few more steps. This alarmed Judy, and she gasped, wrapping her arms around Gene’s neck, his chest now pressed up against Frank’s back.

Gene lifted his chin up to the sky, holding Judy, the cigarette dangling back and forth between his lips as he spoke, “Come on, man, let her go, she’s gonna choke me.”

“And I’ll choke you to death if you let go, Gene,” she warned kicking her legs.

“Ow,” Frank said as she nearly kicked in him the face, “Ok, ok,” he said and loosened his grip.

With that, Judy slid off, and clung onto Gene. Near the edge, Frank then tackled Gene’s side, giving a huge push.

“Oh my God,” Lauren said, but not surprised, when she heard Judy scream before seeing the big splash as the couple landed in the pool. She placed her hand over her eyes, stifling a giggle. Frank hadn’t been kidding.

Judy and Gene walked into the master bedroom soaking wet.

“I can’t fucking believe he did that,” Judy stated furiously.

Gene chuckled, “The little shit.”

“Why are you laughing,” she asked untying the wet bandanna from her hair.

“It’s just water, baby, lighten up,” he said starting to unbutton his shirt.

“Lighten up,” she asked with a shriek and was about to go on when the door opened.

“Hi,” Lauren said smiling, “If you don’t mind, I just have to…” She trailed off as her eyes landed on the bedside table and she walked across the room.

Judy and Gene both just stood there, confused, as they watched her pick up the phone. She fiddled with it before the cord was no longer plugged in.

“Ah ha, there we go,” she said and head back towards the door.

“What the hell are you doing,” Gene asked.

“Why are you taking our phone,” Judy added completely flabbergasted.

When she went out the door, Frank appeared with a tray of veggies in one hand and fruit in the other, obviously from the party.

“Here ya go, something to hold you over til’ morning. You’re good with just water til then, ya?”

“What are you talk--what the hell is going on,” Gene said taking a step towards him, his arms out confused.

Frank smiled, gave him a thumbs up, before shutting the door behind him.

Gene looked at Judy, who was making a strange face, before he walked back to the doors. But, they wouldn’t open. He tried again.

“What the fuck,” he said and tried again.

On the other side, Frank had tied one of the kid’s jump robes around the double door’s handles like a tourniquet. Lauren stood by smiling when she heard Gene and Judy mumbling inside.

“Frank! What the hell are you doing,” Gene yelled.

“Locking you both in.”

“What do you mean,” they both answered at the same time.

“Now, darlings, don’t get mad…” Lauren started.

Judy interrupted as she stomped to the door, “Darling’s going to get mad if you don’t open the god damn door!”

Frank looked at her eyes wide hearing that rare, but intense, yell, “I think she means business.”

Lauren went on, “Now, listen, you two are going to stay in there together, and work on whatever shit you’re going through, no ‘if’ ‘and’s’ or ‘but’s’ about it.”

“We are not going to stay in here, now OPEN THE FUCKING DOOR,” Gene yelled and hit hit fist against the door which made Frank back away startled.

“Stop it,” Judy said pushing Gene away and put on a calm and sweet voice, “You cannot just leave us in here.”

“Sure we can. You have a bathroom, you have snacks, you have water, you have a bed, you have each other, you’ll be fine until morning,” Frank added.

“We’re not joking,” Lauren said walking closer to the door, “We’re not letting you out until you can work out your problems.”

“Great,” Gene said, “We’ll die in here.”

Judy gave him an evil glare before trying the door herself, but of course it didn’t open, “Betty, I love you, I really do, and I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but you don’t know anything about what we’re going through, and quite frankly, it’s none of your business.”

There was silence a moment before a piece of paper was slid under the door. The couple didn’t even have to pick it up to know what it was: Deposition for Divorce. Gene sighed, running his hand through his hair, as he started to pace.

“Found this on the table in the foyer on my way up. Frank and I planned this little charade before I even saw this. I may not know why this exists, but, as your friend who knows you both very well, I do know that it shouldn’t exist.”

“I agree,” Frank said matter-of-factly.

“You’re really going to keep us in here,” Judy asked, trying to avoid Gene’s gaze.

“Just until morning.”

“What about my children?”

“Oh,” Lauren said cheerfully, “I’m taking them over to my house for a sleepover. Won’t that be fun?”

“You’re going to wake them up, to take them over to your place, just to go back to sleep,” Gene added ridiculously

“They’ll be fine.”

“Have fun with that one,” Gene added.

“I have kids of my own, remember. I’m well aware how they work.”

“You guys need anything before we leave,” Frank asked exuberantly.

“How about for you to let us out of here,” Judy called out frustrated.

“Cannot process that request. Anything else?”

“Well, I do know one thing, I’m going shopping for a new best friend after this,” Gene stated.

“Ok, well, if you don’t need anything, have a good night.”

“Tata,” Lauren added.

Gene pressed his ear up to the door and heard the footsteps fade away. He then looked at Judy shocked, “They’re really leaving us in here.”

Judy just gave him a look and walked into the bathroom slamming the door loud behind her, the picture rattling on the wall.

Gene exhaled through his nose, “This will be fun.”

When Judy emerged from the bathroom, she was wearing a black, silk robe that came to her knees, and her face was freshly washed, damp curls framing it.

Gene, who had changed into a pair of dry pants and a t-shirt, was standing on their bedroom’s small veranda looking down at their enormous backyard. As Judy walked over, she could hear the echo of the party still going on next door.

“Might be a bad idea, Gene,” Gene mumbled to himself, “you might break something if you jump.”

“Are you insane,” Judy said ridiculously, “You’ll break your damn neck.” She looked over the side at the vines that covered the back of the house, “What if you, you know, shimmy down the vines?”

Gene was the one to look at her ridiculously now, “This isn’t The Pirate, Manuela,” he emphasized and Judy looked at him insulted as she placed her hands on her hips. He went on, “Besides, even then I was harnessed to a safety wire.”

Judy followed him inside, shutting the veranda doors behind her. He walked over to the large, white mahogany, double doors and placed his hands on his hips.

Judy looked at him warningly as she saw the determined expression on his face,“No.”

“No, what,” he asked, but was preoccupied with turning the door handles gently to see if whatever was locking them in would come loose.

“Whatever you’re thinking about doing, it’s a big fat no, buster.”

“What am I thinking?”

She placed her hand on the door in front of his face, leaning on it, “You’re not going to try to break my door down, Gene.”

“Your?”

“Our,” she corrected rolling her eyes, “These are brand new doors that I had specifically made to match the carvings on last ones. That hole you kicked in them was there for a month before I could get it fixed.”

Gene sighed. She knew exactly what he had been planning…kicking the door through enough to unlock it.

“Is it really that horrible to have to be stuck in a room with me for a night that you’re willing to break down the doors?”

“Of course not. I just don’t like to be a prisoner in my own fucking house and I know you don’t like this either, so don’t even try arguing with me.”

“Look, you can’t jump off the damn balcony and I’m not letting you break the door down, we don’t have a phone, so we’re just going to have to make the best of it. Besides, the doors are heavier than the last. You might hurt yourself in the process.”

“Oh, so you still care,” he exaggerated but Judy took offense.

“Don’t be silly.”

Gene walked over to the veggie tray and picked around as she turned on the radio and grabbed a magazine.

“Well, at least they left us food, though I wish Frank woulda left me some bourbon.”

“I bet you do,” she sassed back with her eyebrow raised as she head for the lazy boy chair in the corner.

“What,” he said with a warning tone that told her that he knew exactly what she said but was challenging her to say it again.

“Nothing,” she half sung as she curled her legs up underneath her and opened her magazine.

“Can we at least try to get along,” he said out of frustration, “I mean, you know Judy, I’m back home after being gone over a month and…”

She cut him off sharply, “You wouldn’t even be here right now if they hadn’t locked us in. You’d be down the street at Petey’s apartment.” Gene was silent a moment as he bit into a baby carrot, “Do you have a problem with that?”

She ignored his question, “Why did you decide to stay there?”

“I told you over the phone, Peter was looking for someone…”

“...to sublet the apartment to,” she finished for him, “Yes, I know. But he has lots of friends who could do it. Why did *you* decide to do it?”

“Because I wanted to help him out. Besides, it’s only a couple minutes down the road.”

Judy blinked as she slowly turned a page of her magazine, avoiding his eyes, “Is that the only reason?”

“Well, this has something to do with it, too, but I’m guessing you already knew that,” he said dropping the divorce paper in her lap and walked away.

Judy placed the paper on the table beside her and went back to her magazine. Gene walked back out onto the balcony as he lit a cigarette. He exhaled only once before he spotted Richie and Junie start down the Bogart’s drive way.

“HEY! Powell! Up here!”

“Oh, hey,” Richie waved.

“Junie, come up and help us!”

“Help you what,” Rich called back.

“We’re locked in!” “What do you mean?!”

“Lauren & Frank locked us in!”

For a moment Richie started to walk towards the house but June quickly grabbed his hand. She spoke to him briefly before she smiled and waved pulling her husband with her. Richie put his hand out as if to say sorry and followed his wife down the driveway.

“OH GO TO HELL, POWELL!”

Judy was sitting up straight, obviously alerted to the fact they almost got out of ‘jail’, when Gene walked back inside slamming the door behind him.

“I assume they were told not to help us,” Judy said amused.

“Yeah, nice friends, huh?”

With a new Bing Crosby show starting, Gene laid on the bed to listen and finish his cigarette. For the entirety of the show, the two didn’t talk. Any show of Bing’s was a favorite of theirs and they both chuckled in almost all the same spots. For how uncomfortable their situation was, the atmosphere never felt uncomfortable when they were together, even in silence.

When guest singer Jo Stafford sang one of her most requested songs, ‘You Belong to Me’, Gene lifted his head up to look at Judy.

“Did you sing this song before, I can’t remember.”

“Mm hm, a few years ago, on his show, coincidentally.”

Gene dropped his head back down, “You sing it better.” Judy giggled, “How do you know if you don’t remember me singing it?”

“Because,” he said stretching before sitting up, “you sing everything better.”

“Oo, even ‘Singing in the Rain’, hm?”

“Ok, maybe not everything,” he teased and got up walking into the bathroom.

About fifteen minutes later, he re-merged wiping his now freshly shaved face with a towel. He noticed Judy staring out the patio door, resting her head on her hand, deep in thought.

He switched off the radio, which he knew would tick her off, but he wanted to talk without corny laughter or cheery music in the background. When Judy didn’t even glance his way, he found it a little irritating.

“What are you thinking about?”

“Things,” she mumbled.

“What things?”

Judy sighed and looked up at him impatiently, “Things that are none of your business.”

“None of my business?”

“Gene, my thoughts are my business. Always have been, always will be.”

“Oh, well, considering you’re my wife, that’s my business. And this is half of my bedroom that we’re both stuck in, that’s my business, particularly in a house that I mostly paid for. Anything, and anyone, in my house,” he pointed to himself, “is my business.”

“You sound like a prick right now, stop it,” she said disgusted, and then stood up, “You know what, while you ran off to Europe, I have been here for over a month alone running *your house* and taking care of *your children* while I was also working. Since this is *your house*, maybe I will go stay at Peter’s and you can take a crack at it for a while.”

She stormed past him, but when she got to the doors, and they didn’t open, she yelled in frustration, hitting her palm against the door. In the heat of the moment, she forgot.

“How’s that working out for you, hun,” he said sitting down in the chair she was just in.

“Shut up,” she chuckled placing her hands on her hips, and looking up at the ceiling trying to calm down.

Hearing her laugh made him smile a bit and he continued, “I mean, I would call Peter myself to see if he would be okay with the switch but…” he motioned to the empty spot on the bedside table where their phone used to be, “Bacall.”

Judy knew he was trying to make light of it, but if he wanted to talk, then fine he would get it.

“You knew I wasn’t comfortable with you being away for 5 weeks, but you took the job anyways.”

“Because I loved the script and I am under contract still. I’m not fighting about this again. It’s was a job. I didn’t tell them to film in another country. And you weren’t alone. You have help and I took care of everything before I left. So, don’t play the ‘abandoning’ game with me, Judy.”

“I begged you not to go,” she continued, “A wife shouldn’t have to beg her husband to do anything.”

“Well, the last time I saw you, when you told me to get the hell out of your life, I thought, maybe, you changed your mind,” he said in a very sarcastic undertone.

“It seemed fitting to say after you yelled that maybe we shouldn’t be together anymore,” she said tilting her head at him, reminding him of his words.

Gene stood up in rage and walked over to her, “I only said it because you told me that this, us, wasn’t working out the same anymore.”

“It wasn’t! It isn’t. I meant that we have to change something. I didn’t once say we should not be together anymore. Those were your words,” she yelled, tearing up.

Gene took two strides to the dresser grabbing the piece of paper and held it up to her face, “THEN WHAT THE HELL IS THIS!”

Judy pushed it out of her way and walked past him.

“I know exactly what you’re doing, and I want you to admit it,” he said standing in the same place she left him.

“Admit what,” she said, her back to him, her hands resting on her elbows.

“Why you sent me this stupid thing.” Judy didn’t respond, but when he saw her try to flick a tear away, without being too obvious, he clenched his jaw, looking down feeling bad.

His body relaxed and he sat on the end of the bed speaking calmly, “If you won’t be honest about the divorce papers, then at least have the decency to apologize for what you said to me and I’ll do the same. You know what I’m talking about.”

She nodded but still didn’t turn to look at him.

*

“Judy, it’s out of my fucking hands! I’m under contract, or do you not remember what that’s like? The schedule and on-location can be hell, but I love the business, and being in movies, and I’m not changing my mind.”

“If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t even be in movies.”

Her comment hit him so hard, and was so shocking to him, Gene couldn’t help but what came out of his own mouth, “And if it weren’t for me helping you to get into a stage career, and A Star is Born, you’d still be an MGM has-been!”

*

Gene spoke a little emotional, remembering it like it was yesterday, “I’ll start. I’m sorry for what I said to you, sweetheart. It was beneath me.”

Judy let out a sob before she sat back down on the lazy boy chair. Her expression killed him, but so did her comment.

“You really hurt me, Gene. You know you’re the one person I trust with all my insecurities and then you just sweep the rug from under my feet.”

“Honey, I only said it in retort from what you said to me. It was like a god damn punch to the gut. You know how grateful I am to you for…”

“I know,” she cut him off not needing to hear it and lowered her voice calmly repeating, “I know. I’m sorry, truly.”

Gene nodded, hearing the guilt and sincerity in her voice. Gene scooted back on the bed and rest his back against the headboard. Even though they both apologized for the blows, it didn’t change the situation

For, what seemed like an eternity, the two sat in complete silence lost in their own mind. The stress was heavy hanging over them like a dark cloud. After a while, Gene couldn’t stand the stillness any longer.

He got up and walked past Judy, who was hugging her knees to her chest, her face hidden. He thought she looked smaller than usual as he glanced at her before looking out the window. The Bogart’s party had ended and now it was pitch black in the backyard.

“The first movie we saw together was Casablanca.”

Judy lifted her head up and looked at the back of him, curiously, as he had his back to her, with one hand up resting on the wall, the other on his hip.

“It was only like a week after we first got together. Do you remember that,” he asked looking at her over his shoulder and she nodded, a little taken back by his random memory. “We snuck into a night showing at some theater on Hollywood Boulevard and sat in the back row so no one would see us. I held your hand the entire time. I was so enamored by what was happening between us, it didn’t matter that I was thirty-years-old, when I was with you, I felt like a love stuck teenager. And so much so, I even made love to you in my car afterwards. Even though we had already slept together, a few times before that night if I remember correctly,” he joked which made Judy giggle and he went on, “You said to me that you were usually not that easy on a first date.”

Judy’s smile had disappeared by then as she stared at him, as he stared out the window, a slight curve on his lips. She remembered that night fondly and, because of it, the movie had always been one of her favorites. It almost shattered her heart to think about it. Not to mention that the star of the movie lived next door.

“Why are you thinking about that now,” she asked in almost a whisper.

“I don’t know. I suppose it’s normal to think about the beginning of something towards the end of it.”

Judy felt her heart flutter, in a bad way, when she realized that she just heard Gene’s confession about where he thought their marriage stood. She hadn’t signed the divorce papers, because she wanted to know how he felt on the situation. If he sent the papers back to her signed, then she knew. But he hadn’t signed them, and that gave her some hope, though she was not going to admit it until he did. But now here he is, thinking of the end of them. This was not a game. It was real.

“I’m getting sleepy,” she said sounding as casual as she could as she got up.

Gene watched as she walked over to the bed, tossing the throw pillows on the ground, before getting under the comforter. He checked his watch before heading into the walk-in closet to change into pajama pants.

When he returned, he walked over to the bed respectfully, “I don’t want to sleep on the floor.”

“I don’t care if you sleep in the bed, Gene,” she said coldly, “Besides it’s your house, your room, *your* bed, right?”

Without another word she turned off the light. As he got into bed, he noticed she rolled on her left side, away from him, something she never had done in the past, ever. As Gene turned out the light and rolled onto his back, he stared up at the shadows of the palm trees dancing on the ceiling. It was a new, but odd feeling, he suddenly felt. Judy was there with him, but the room felt very empty.

Stop

That was the word that went through her sleepy head, but she didn’t dare say it out loud. It felt too good. Her body was betraying her mind as an aching arousal was building between her legs. It had been so long since they had sex. She wasn’t thinking about anything that had transpired before they went to sleep, and she didn’t even know what time it was, all she was focused on was how her body was feeling.

Still on her side facing away from him, Gene’s left arm was slid under her neck, resting on her breast though her silk robe, his thumb moving against her nipple back and forth slowly through the fabric. His other hand was also moving slowly, up and down her thigh, knowing how much that always turned her on. She couldn’t help the pleasurable whimper escape her mouth as his sucked gently against her neck. And the sound of his lips against her skin, the only sound in the room, just heightened the sensation.

In their dark room, the bed made a slight sound as Gene pressed his body closer to the back of her. She could feel his hard on, which always excited her, but the warmth of his body cascading hers always made Judy feel safe. Feeling safe wasn’t what was going through Gene’s mind. It had been about 6 weeks since they had sex, and even though they were fighting, it didn’t matter. They never failed to get turned on, and God o’mighty, he was horny. And he missed her, he missed the feel of her. And judging by the sound she made, he knew she felt the same. He also knew he wasn’t going to last long. It had been a long time…a long, stressful time.

Gene’s hot breath tickled her ear as he breathed heavily, rolling his hips gently against her as he pulled her closer. The sensation suddenly engulfed her body with pleasurable shivers and she slightly gasped at the feeling of it, her nipples also tingling in the process. She leaned her head back against him and Gene took that opportunity to leave hard, wet kisses along here neck as his hand slid between her thighs, which were pressed tightly together. He had trouble reaching the spot he wanted, and tried to nudge her legs open but she quickly grabbed his wrist stopping. Instead she rolled onto her back and lifted her bum, quickly shimmying out of her undies.

Seeing this, he let out a breathy groan in anticipation and tugged his pajama pants down. Crawling between her open knees, he jerked himself a few times before grabbing her hips. He scooted her towards him and lifted her a bit, the perfect angle, before pressing into her. He gave off a moan as he did so, she was so wet and there was absolutely no resistance. Wish he could say the same for her attitude sometimes, he actually thought, as he reached all the way in. But then her muscles immediately snugged around him, and he forgot about any attitude. As he slid in and out all the way a few times, he really knew he wasn’t going to last long. So he willfully adjusted himself, and her, knowing all-too-well where her spot was and started a rhythm. And she didn’t disappoint. Her sighs quickly turned into mewling cries which each thrust. The arousal he created for her earlier, was now growing, forming into one spot feeling better and stronger each time the head of him pushed up on it.

Her tiny screams, his desperate moans and the sound of his pelvis hitting her skin, getting louder and faster, was so erotic to both their ears.

Gene was so lost in the sensation of being inside of his wife again, he barely heard her whimper that she was coming, until he felt her body tighten, and her moans stop. He slowed down, but hit her with rough strokes when all of a sudden she let out a loud gasp. Gene stopped moving when her orgasm milked him hard, wanting to feel the sensation around him. He almost came then. When her body relaxed, she gave off a little ‘mmm’ and he started moving again. It only took him a few more strokes until he started panting and then gave off a loud groan, his body jerking into hers. It seemed endless as he kept coming into her hot warmth.

When Gene stirred out of sleep, he heard the quiet sound of some commercial playing over the radio and the sounds of birds chirping. Opening his eyes, he noticed the patio door open, the drapes blowing in from the spring breeze, and the sky was blue.

Sighing relaxed, he turned over and noticed the bed was empty, her robe laying where she had slept. He was about to call out for her when he heard the sound of the shower running. Gene threw on a white t-shirt before he grabbed his smokes and walked out onto the veranda. It was a gorgeous morning he thought as he lit the cigarette. Leaning on the banister, he took a drag, when he heard familiar sounds of children. He couldn’t see all the way into the Bogart’s backyard, but he could see a few kiddos running around, and he knew one of the was his baby girl, as a dog also barked obviously playing with them. He smiled a moment, at the peace, and had a sudden urge to kiss Judy and tell her everything would be okay.

After finishing the cigarette, he smashed it out before walking back into their bedroom. As he passed the dresser, he did a double take before stopping. Slowly, he picked up the piece of paper.

Judy wrung her hair out, and was about to turn the shower off, when the door suddenly banged open and the shower curtain was ripped aside.

She jumped, startled, “Jesus, Gene!”

“Get out of there,” he said and motioned for her to come out.

She gave him a funny look before speaking irritated and turned off the water, “I was about to. What the hell’s wrong with you barging in here like that?”

He tossed her a towel, “Come on.”

She secured it around her body and stepped out, “Do you mind?”

He grabbed her hand and pulled her out, though she tried resisting, “It’s cold. What are you doing?”

“I want you to see something.”

He stopped at the dresser and took the paper. Staring her dead in the eyes, he slowly tore the deed, the divorce papers, that now had her fresh signature on them.

Judy looked a little surprised, “Why did you do that?”

“Why did you sign it,” he asked her back.

“Because you made it clear last night that our marriage is over.”

Gene looked at her ridiculously, but also trying to understand her, as he placed his hand on his hip, “By making love to you?”

Judy laughed, “We did not make love,” her voice got almost venomous, “We both just got off, and you know it.”

“What the hell does that matter? I didn’t want to fuck Betsy, even just to get laid, at the end our marriage. Where did I make it clear last night that I want our marriage to be over?”

He placed his hand on her cheek, being very serious, but she quickly moved out of his way afraid of the sudden affection, “You were thinking about when we first got together. You told me it’s because it was the end of us.”

“Judy, it was just my mind getting sentimental because we were sitting there locked in a fucking room together with divorce papers under our nose. Look at me,” he demanded, but with a soft voice.

She looked at him and he stared at her a moment, biting down on his jaw a few times, “I know you’ll have no trouble getting another set of papers drawn up, but I’m telling you right now, I’m not signing. I’m not giving you up that easily. It took me nearly a decade to make you my wife, I’m not giving that up from one fight. And if you think I am, you’re a damn fool.”

“I don’t want this either, Gene, but we obviously aren’t working out the way we used to. Look at us, we’ve been locked in a room together and all we’ve done is argue. If this was before, we would’ve spent the time playing games or dancing or…”

“It’s just a stressful time and stressful situation, Judy, we will get through it.”

“Are you really sure about that? We’re changing as people, and our careers have changed. We’re not the same people we use to be.”

“No one is. But we’ll work through the changes,” he reiterated, “I’ll do anything…even marriage counseling if that’s what it takes. You know how the thought of that makes me ill but I’ll do it. But you need to help, too. It takes two to tango, baby.”

He took her hands desperately, “Tell me, what do *you* need?” When she didn’t answer, only looking down with sorrow, he sat them down on the bed, “We need to communicate or we won’t get anywhere. Tell me.”

“For you to be home more. For you to not drink as much, no matter how stressed you get, because your temper scares me. And I need you to understand why I don’t want you to be away from me so long. I know I’m selfish about that, but it is for my mental health. Please no more 5 weeks away.”

“If, and I say if, either of us are going to have to be away for long for work, we will travel together. I’ll make sure it’s in our contracts. But you have to understand, that some things are out of my hands and I never do anything to purposefully upset you or hurt you. And I promise to work on not drinking like that anymore, but you need to be calmer with me as well. Your erratic behaviors scare me, sometimes.”

Judy’s voice cracked, “You know sometimes I can’t help that.”

“But you can control the intake, especially when *you’re* stressed,” he said referencing to her medication. It was something she often relapsed with, but when she did, he was in control of it. But it had been harder with him away working so much, and she wasn’t good at that kind of control, especially since it was her own body. To Judy, it was like money, it was something she needed but always relied on other people to control or take care of.

Judy squeezed his hands, “Do you really think we can go back to how things used to be?”

“No, because like you said, we’re not the same people we used to be. We can certainly grow together and change together but still be us. We just have to find a new way to make things work. And instead of arguing right away, we should talk through it and consider our options.”

“Except when picking a television show,” she said wickedly.

“King of the house, I own the remote.”

“We’ll see about that, buster,” she said playfully elbowing him.

Gene chuckled before getting serious again, “Judy, I love you. I love you more than life itself, but you’re fucking mad sometimes.”

Judy laughed gleefully, “Good. I feel the same way about you. You drive me insane.”

“Come here, sweetheart,” he said cuddling her damp body to him.

She rest her cheek on his chest and sighed, feeling like a weight was lifted from her shoulders. When she felt his finger lift her chin, she looked up at him.

“I’d like to kiss you hello,” he said remembering how she ignored it when he tried kissing her at the party.

His lips almost touched hers when she leaned back, placing her hand on his chest, “On one condition.”

“Name it.”

“That you make love to me.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he breathed as his lips met hers in a passionate kiss.

She purred, practically melting into him, as his tongue pushed its way into her willing mouth. Judy didn’t even realize her back was on the bed until Gene suddenly lifted himself off of her as the bedroom doors opened.

Lauren was walking in when Judy and Gene both yelled, “Get out!”

Her eyes opened wide as she quickly retreated, shutting the doors, a huge grin on her face as she walked down the hallway.

[alj4890]

Choices September Challenge

Day 16 I'm Sorry

(Thomas Hunt x oc*Amanda) in a Choices Red Carpet Diaries/The Royal Romance Crossover drabble.

A/N This is actually a fic I have had sitting in my draft folders forever. Someone a while back requested another first time meeting gone horribly wrong for this OTP and I kept getting stuck on the ending. Once more, let’s get these two stubborn people together, LOL!

@choicesseptemberchallenge20​ @xjustin-ethansgirliex​ @lovealexhunt@lxaah11​   @alleksa16​   @penguininapinktuxedo​   @blackcoffee85​   @stopforamoment​     @hopelessromantic1352​     @krsnlove​     @annekebbphotography​        @hopelessromantic1352​   . @sunflowergirl05​   @desireepow-1986​  @greywitchyshots​   @moodyvalentinestories​  @emceesynonymroll​   @my-heart-beats-for-ya​ @aworldoffandoms​   @ab1901​     @lolablackwrites​     @flyawayboo​   @i-bloody-love-drake-walker​   . @trappedinfandoms​   @kate-mckenzie​

Masterlist

Great Expectations

Olivia quirked an eyebrow in question as Amanda walked into her suite.

Instead of the usual calm, sweet greeting followed by an attempt to coerce her into doing something fun, Amanda threw her purse across the room and let out a strange, strangled noise that sounded suspiciously like a string of curse words trying to be smothered by guilt.

"I would ask what is wrong, but I assume you are about to tell me." Olivia drily remarked.

"Remember when I was excited that Maxwell invited us all to come here and see how The Royal Romance movie was going?" Amanda asked.

"I believe I recall you skipping down the palace halls." Olivia responded.

Amanda narrowed her eyes at her. "Well, the skipping is done." She flopped face down on Olivia's couch. "I hate everything here." She mumbled into the cushions.

Olivia rolled her eyes. "Must we succumb to overly dramatic behavior?"

Amanda turned her face toward her. "Are you seriously asking me this when just last week you threatened to throw every dagger you had at the waiter for accidentally calling you Madeleine?"

Olivia flicked her hand dismissively. "Details." She sat down in a chair across from her friend. "What happened?"

Amanda closed her eyes. "It all started this morning."

****************

Around 8 a.m., The Beverly Wilshire...

"Wake up!" Maxwell burst into Amanda's suite and proceeded to jump on her bed.

"Wha?" Amanda rolled off of it in a tangle of blankets. "What time is it?"

"Time for you to get ready and go to the studio." He leaped off her bed and went straight to her closet. "Hmm." He pulled one dress out after another. "Is this all you packed?"

Amanda stumbled over to the closet. "Why are you going through my clothes?"

He finally settled on a skirt and sweater. "I need you to go to the studio and give this to Thomas Hunt.” He held up a large manila envelope. "Within this lies the very heart of The Royal Romance."

She blinked sleepily a few times. "Why do I have to do this?" She gestured toward his body. "You're already dressed and fully compos mentis."

His dimples deepened with his grin. "You shouldn't use Latin if you are trying to get out of this with the excuse that you are dumb with sleep." He gently pushed her into the bathroom. "Get ready. I arranged a surprise for you."

"What kind of sur--" her words were cut off by him shutting the door.

She dropped her head back in frustration while going through a list of reasons why she shouldn't crawl back into bed. It was then followed by a list of reasons of what Maxwell would do to get her to do this. After a quick three minutes of debate, she reluctantly started the shower.

****************

Olivia’s suite

"So, this is about making you get up early this morning?" Olivia snorted. "This is why I don't give my room keys to anyone."

"It wasn't that horrific event that cemented this burning hatred of mine." Amanda turned over on her back and stared up at the ceiling. "It was that jerk, Thomas Hunt."

Olivia did not bother to hide her surprise. "Wasn't he the reason you had that little hop to your skipping?"

Amanda closed her eyes. "They say never meet your heroes."

"He's a hero?!" Olivia wrinkled her nose in disgust. "Does the man even know how to fight?"

"I don't mean that kind of hero!" Amanda muttered. She let out another strangled, frustrated sound. "I admired him. His movies are some of my favorites."

"And you certainly never shied away from admiring his underwear modeling days." Olivia artfully dodged to the right when Amanda threw a decorative pillow at her. "Wasn't there a poster in your bedroom at one point?"

“FINE! I THOUGHT HE WAS ATTRACTIVE!" Amanda shouted. "Today proved differently."

"Was he not in his underwear?" Olivia easily batted a second throw pillow away that was aimed for her face. "What did he do?"

****************

Earlier that day, at the studio…

"I've seen your picture in magazines."

Amanda smiled at the intern escorting her toward Thomas Hunt's office. "Hopefully, I didn't look like I normally do." She shuddered. "I take horrible photographs."

"I thought you looked pretty." The hopeful actress replied. "You and Queen Riley were laughing at Maxwell Beaumont."

Amanda chuckled at that. "So, a normal day was photographed?"

The girl's phone vibrated. "I have to go handle this." She apologized to the duchess. "Mr. Hunt's office is the last door on the left."

"Thank you." Amanda watched her leave, then pulled out Maxwell's packet for the script. "Why did I agree to deliver this?" She mumbled as she continued down the long hallway.

When she reached the door, she paused before knocking. Voices raised in what sounded like anger could be heard.

Not wanting to walk in on an argument, Amanda checked to make certain no one else was in the hallway. She then pressed her ear to the door.

******************

"You know I don't have time to cater to a rich, spoiled woman! Maxwell is now suggesting that I take this--" Thomas checked the text message once more. "This Lady Amanda on not only a more in-depth tour of the studio but also to some of the historical sites around Los Angeles." He slammed a drawer shut to help rid himself of his mounting irritation. "If I ever act remotely interested in another story from some playboy royal, you have my permission to have me committed to the nearest asylum."

Holly rolled her eyes at his dramatic outburst. "Then don't take her out. It's a simple fix."

"If Maxwell's unhappy then the studio heads will become upset." He explained. "Next, it rolls downhill on us." He glared out the window. "What right does this duchess have to demand I take her around as her glorified tour guide?!"

"It might not be so bad." Addison pointed out. "She must be important to Maxwell if he asked you to do this."

"Apparently she is his bff or whatever acronym he used." Thomas spat. "I would rather deal with practically anyone else on this planet than babysit some snobbish, probably doesn't even know how to act in public, idiotic woman."

******************

Amanda took a step bac from his door. Her heart sank at discovering the director she had so admired was in truth a spoiled jerk.

Her lips firmed in a frown as her anger slowly took over her sadness. 

“He--I’ll show--oohhh!” She gasped, unable to get a complete insult out. 

She took a deep breath and returned to the receptionist desk. “Something has come up.” Amanda explained. “Would you mind giving Maxwell’s notes to Mr. Hunt?” She nearly strangled on his name.

“No problem.” The young intern replied. She tilted her head in question. “Are you okay?”

Amanda nodded quickly. “I am.” Or at least I will be once I get away from here, she thought. I will NEVER spend a moment in that loathsome man’s company.

******************

"I don't think I have ever seen you this angry." Olivia's eyebrows were lifted in surprise as she observed Amanda pacing about the suite. "Why didn't you confront him?"

"Because I don't do that kind of thing." Amanda snapped. She quickly apologized to her friend. "You know I try and be nice to everyone." Her eyes narrowed. "Something about that man got under my skin. How dare he judge me without meeting me?!"

Olivia's lips turned up somewhat. "What will you do when we are all at the set tomorrow?"

"Maybe I shouldn't go." Amanda muttered. "I can't embarrass Maxwell by setting Thomas Hunt straight."

"Now I'm making you go." Olivia announced. "I think it's time you felt that sweet relief of finally unleashing your temper." Her smile grew. "You don't know what you have been missing all these years."

“We’ll see.” Amanda murmured. “Do you know where Maxwell is?”

“No. Why?”

“Because I am going to make sure that I am never put in the path of Thomas Hunt again.”

*************

The Blvd restaurant, The Beverly Wilshire...

"There you are." Amanda said between clenched teeth.

Maxwell looked up. "Hey! How did the meeting go?"

She sat down across from him. "Why did you decide to ask Thomas Hunt of all people to give me a tour?!"

His blue eyes widened when he realized she was upset. "Because you've always been crazy about him."

"I have not." She snapped, refusing to accept she remotely found the director anything other than repulsive.

"Really?" Maxwell folded his arms on the table and leaned forward. "I would like to present to the jury, exhibit A: The Calvin Klein poster of one man, Thomas Hunt, in nothing but boxer briefs." He shuddered at the memory. "I still suffer from PTSD whenever I see your closet door cracked open."

Angry spots of color appeared on her cheeks. "I was young and stupid and had horrible taste in men."

"Exhibit B: You own all his movies, including the one he has a brief cameo in." Maxwell continued.

"I own a lot of movies." Amanda muttered. "He just happens to make some."

"Exhibit C:," Maxwell pointed out. "When I told you, I had been offered a chance to have The Royal Romance turned into a film, you literally chanted that Thomas Hunt needs to direct until I talked to my agent."

"I wanted your story to earn critical acclaim." Amanda averted her eyes.

"Exhibit D--"

"Enough!" Amanda hissed. "I get it, okay?" She leaned forward, looking directly into his eyes. "Don't ever force me to--"

"Thomas!" Maxwell yelled out, waving toward the director.

Amanda felt her stomach drop when she felt his angry presence pause behind her right shoulder.

"Maxwell." Thomas greeted curtly. “I waited for as long as I could on your,” his tone hardened, “Lady Amanda, but she never showed up.”

Maxwell turned his attention to her. “You didn’t deliver my notes?”

"I did." Amanda snapped, her eyes darted to Thomas. "But I didn’t want to spend a single second in your company."

His eyes widened. "I beg your pardon, what--"

"I refuse to spend the day with a man who so readily judges a person without meeting them." Her chin lifted. "You made it quite clear this morning what you think of me."

Thomas remembered his intern bringing in Maxwell's notes. "You were the one who came by today." His temper snapped. "On top of everything, you listened in on a conversation that wasn't any of your business. Why am I not surprised?" He mocked.

Amanda moved quickly out of the booth until she was standing directly in front of him. Her eyes flashed as heated color flooded her cheeks. "It wasn't hard since you were yelling like a petulant child." Her mocking smile appeared. "I'm grateful that I found out what type of egotistical, judgmental, miserable old man you truly are before being forced to accept your escort anywhere."

"Nowhere nearly as much as I am." Thomas barked, stung by her insults. "I wouldn't escort you a single inch across this room. You've proven that I should continue to trust my gut instinct when it comes to people like you." He bowed in an exagerated insult. "Thank you, Lady Amanda, it has been a pleasure that I hope is never repeated."

Unable to think of a proper insult, Amanda’s eyes sparked with unshed tears. She didn’t want to give this wretched man the satisfaction of thinking he had hurt her to the point of crying.

Without a word, she shoved past him and quickly left the restaurant.

"I had that going differently in my mind." Maxwell said once Thomas sat down. "Maybe after she cools off, the two of you could--"

"Maxwell, there will never be the two of us if Amanda is a part of that equation." Thomas stated firmly. "I will never spend a moment alone with her."

****************

Olivia’s suite, again…

"You should have used one of the butter knives on him." Olivia told her. "I've trained you in the places on the human body that will cause the most pain."

Amanda sighed.

"At least you stood up for yourself." Olivia continued.

Amanda nodded silently.

"Don't tell me you regret this?" Olivia prodded at the lack of verbal response.

"I'm exhausted." Amanda finally said. "I haven't lost my temper like that in years." She ran her hands over her face. "I just stopped by to let you know I'm not going out tonight." She got up and gave a swift hug to Olivia. "Thank you for letting me vent again."

"Don't let that man keep you from going out." Olivia ordered. "Take a nap. I'll make certain you're not disturbed, and we can join everyone else for dinner."

Amanda neither agreed nor disagreed. She gave a halfhearted smile and left.

****************

That night...

"I want everyone who has a spare key to my suite to return them." Amanda announced at dinner.

Maxwell and Olivia ignored her request.

Drake quirked an eyebrow at her. "How many keys were you given?"

"I thought just one." Her eyes narrowed. "Yet, I've had no less than four people enter my room today."

Hana blushed and handed her key card over. "Maxwell told me to help with picking out a dress or two."

Riley slid hers over. "Me too."

"I appreciate the concern." She narrowed her eyes on Maxwell as he raised his menu up to hide his face. "But it is not necessary." Her bitterness then settled on Olivia. "Nor was the wakeup call."

The red head merely shrugged. "I'm not going to allow you to lock yourself away to wallow in guilt and misery over Thomas Hunt."

"I wasn't wallowing!" Amanda snapped. "I was sleeping because Maxwell woke me up after at practically the crack of dawn!"

"As soon as you awoke, you would have started the misery and guilt trip." Olivia calmly stated. "It never fails to happen once you lose your temper."

"It's true." Maxwell added.

Amanda slumped in her chair. All the fight left her. She knew they were right.

“Don’t worry about Thomas.” Maxwell told her. “Tomorrow, he’ll be so busy with the movie that he won’t even notice you’re there.”

*****************

The next day...

Thomas surreptitiously peeked over the script each time he heard Amanda's voice or laughter. Seeing her this way made sense that she was friends with the group whose story he was filming.

She wasn't the irrational shrew he had unleashed the day before.

She looked like a different person. Gone was her insulting temper. For some reason, he was puzzled by her appearance. She hadn't bothered to wear any jewelry other than a watch, which she kept glancing at. He expected her to dress according to her station. Yet she looked like she would easily blend in with a crowd.

He suspected that he would have spotted her immediately.

His eyes moved down her figure when the group followed Addison, leaving him to review today's schedule. Since their altercation, he had been unable to get her off his mind. He had even dreamed about her.

It was disturbing that he woke up in a cold sweat over her. The dream had him ending their fight differently. That was the last thing he wanted to do with her.

Thomas couldn't hear what she was saying, but the entire group were laughing at an observation she made.

He swallowed the last of his coffee and decided to get another cup as the group moved closer to craft services.

"Where are you going?" Holly asked.

"Coffee." He muttered, wondering why Amanda wouldn't look his way. He had expected glares the entire time, not being completely ignored.

“Three cups of coffee wasn’t enough?” she asked.

"What?" He asked.

"You've had three cups." Holly pointed out. "You never have more than that in the morning."

He couldn't think of a clever enough retort, so he walked off without a response.

"This might be my favorite part of filmmaking." Maxwell teased as he reached for one of the fresh pastries Addison offered.

Amanda's smile disappeared when Thomas approached. She moved away from the table, pretending interest in a prop, when he came along next to her for the coffee pot.

He glanced at her back, deciding to force her to acknowledge his presence. "Is there anything I can get you, Lady Bridgerton?"

Her shoulders stiffened. Without looking at him, she automatically responded. "No thank you." Before Thomas could say anything else, she quickly walked over to the set that was a recreation of the palace's hedge maze lit by moonlight.

Her lips curved. She was impressed with the attention to detail the film crew had done. She walked the familiar path, turning to see the swing she had spent a great deal of her childhood on.

Thomas appeared beside her.

She stubbornly looked straight ahead.

"What do you think?" He prodded.

"About what?" She responded, folding her arms across her chest.

"The soundstage? The sets?" He motioned around. "I know you were wanting to tour a studio. Does this meet your approval?"

"It does." She couldn't quite hide her excitement at seeing something like this in person. "I find it fascinating."

He blinked at her words. "I'm…glad."

She stiffened once more at having inadvertently complimented him and tried to get around the hateful man. "If you will excuse me,"

"Perhaps I can--"He began, surprised at the thought of trying to rectify her opinion of him.

“Good day, Mr. Hunt." She tried to escape yet saw that he blocked her path. When he seemed unable to move, she squeezed past.

Their bodies brushed one another, causing her to pause.

Their eyes met and she quickly wiggled free.

He watched her hurry off to rejoin the others.

Thomas tossed his untouched coffee in the garbage and returned to work.

*******************

A few days later, they bumped into each other inside the hotel.

"Lady Bridgerton." He gently grasped her arms. "Nice to see you again."

She grit her teeth. "Please stop calling me Lady." Her eyes narrowed. "Since I discovered your opinion on nobles, I know you mean it as a verbal jab."

He quirked an eyebrow. "Then what should I call you?"

"Amanda." She replied. "But I don't believe I will hear it often since we will never spend more time together." She smirked and left him.

He knew he was supposed to meet with Maxwell, but instead decided to follow her into the hotel's restaurant.

He talked the hostess into seating him in a booth beside Amanda's. He couldn't recall a time in his life when he desired to annoy anyone as much as he did her.

He settled his gaze on her after ordering a drink.

Amanda gripped her menu and purposefully kept her eyes averted.

After a few moments, she dropped her head into her hands. "Why are you trying to drive me crazy?" She practically pleaded. "You can’t stand me, yet you sit there on purpose to stare!"

"You never allow me to finish what I’m saying.” He countered, scooting around his booth.

“Why should I?” she snapped. “You are only going to hurl more insults my way.”

“How do you know?” He asked. “Do you dare presume to know my mind?”

She scooted closer, eyes narrowing. "You don't like me!" She hissed. "And I'm not too fond of you." Her eyes searched his. "Why are you trying to talk to me? I made certain to not bother you at the studio and have not returned each day when the others have."

Thomas propped his arm on the seat and leaned closer to her. "I don't know." His eyes touched on her hair softly curling toward her cheek, guiding his eyes to her lips. "But you have been on my mind." His eyes lifted to hers. "Perhaps it is because I have yet to meet the real you. I’ve seen you at your worst, and yet with those you care for…you’re a completely different person. Who is the real, Lady Amanda?"

"I assure you; this is the real me. Regardless of how irritated I am at the moment this is me!" She quickly thanked the waitress for her drink. "Now, I think we--"

"That we should eat together, I agree." Thomas rose and told the waitress he would be joining Amanda.

He slid into the booth, bumping into the shocked duchess. "I recommend the lobster frittata."

"I'm allergic to shellfish." She said in a stunned voice.

"Then I will order something else." He remarked. "I'll have the steak and eggs." He handed his menu to the waitress. "Shall we have a bottle of champagne with brunch?"

Amanda absentmindedly ordered the cheeseburger. Once they were alone, she settled back against the seat, intent on pretending she was dining alone.

"I'm considering taking time off once filming wraps up." Thomas announced.

"What about the sequels?" Amanda forgot about her plan to ignore him. "You aren't going to let someone else direct, are you?"

He shook his head, turning more toward her. "The screenplay for the second part hasn't been completed yet. Ryan and Chris both have obligations to other directors that they will complete in between the first and second part."

"I see." She tried to ease away from being so close beside him, but her skirt was caught under his leg. He apparently was not inclined to give up his hold on her.

"Amanda, have you been on any other tours?" He asked when she became stubbornly silent again.

"I have." She replied. Her smile held a hint of mischief. "Ryan took me to some points of interest."

Thomas narrowed his eyes. "Did he?"

"Yes." She propped her chin on her hand, attempting to have a dreamy far off look. "He was a perfect gentleman."

"He's seeing someone." He informed her, wondering at this new irritation he felt.

Amanda shrugged. "Like I said, he was a perfect gentleman."

"I expect to hear news of his engagement at any moment." Thomas continued.

"Then perhaps you should be drinking champagne with him." She kept a pleasant smile on her face. "For you and I have nothing to celebrate over."

"I disagree." He countered.

"Of course, you do." She pointed at his shirt. "I would call this blue, but I'm positive you would say it was another color."

"I always thought it was more gray than blue." He said to purposefully needle her.

She ran her fingers through her hair. "Of course, you would."

Their food was brought out and each focused on eating while ignoring the emotions the other was causing.

He poured her a glass of champagne then lifted his in a toast. "To expectations."

She searched his eyes for some hidden meaning then tapped her glass to his. "Cheers."

"What are your plans today?" He asked.

She set her glass down. "I'm going to see a movie."

"Really?" He slowly smiled. "What will you be--"

"There you are!" Maxwell walked over, his dimples deepening with his delighted grin. "I must have forgotten we were to meet down here."

Amanda took that moment to jerk her skirt out from under Thomas' thigh. She smiled with her newfound freedom. "I was just on my way out." She wished them both a good afternoon and escaped.

"I knew you two would hit it off." Maxwell boasted.

"And when exactly is that supposed to happen?" Thomas asked.

************

A few nights later...

"Everyone knows the drill." Maxwell whispered.

"Yes." Hana reassured him. "I spill my drink on Amanda."

"I drop a plate in Thomas's lap." Addison whispered.

"They are both forced to go to the master bathroom because I have food poisoning in the hall bathroom." Riley added.

"I get everyone to move to our suite." Liam added.

"I turn everything off." Holly glanced over her shoulder to make certain no one was near enough to hear.

"And I lock them in the bedroom." Maxwell announced.

"What about the phone situation?" Ryan whispered.

"Bastien is confiscating everyone's phone for security purposes." Drake explained. "And I have already removed the hotel phones from the bedroom and living room."

"You all have your missions." Maxwell looked around at his group. "Good luck."

Addison and Hana nearly bounced with excitement as they took their places.

****************

Thomas sat down when Addison insisted yet again. "I still don't see how this helps the crick in your neck."

She rubbed the side while rolling her head. "Because it doesn’t hurt tilting it down, only up." She huffed. "You're too tall."

She eyed Hana and watched as the graceful lady stumbled, splashing her glass of wine down Amanda's dress.

"I'm so sorry!" Tears filled Hana's eyes. She grasped Amanda's hand and dragged her into the bedroom.

"I have something that will help get this out before it stains." Hana made Amanda remain in the bathroom. "It's in my room. I'll be right back."

Addison waited patiently, keeping Thomas talking. She then saw Hana give her the sign.

"...and then we should--" Thomas jumped to his feet when Addison dropped her plate.

"Oh my gosh!" She exclaimed. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to."

He brushed her hand away and went toward the bathroom. He heard Riley's sounds of sickness and quickly backtracked.

"There's a bathroom in the bedroom." Maxwell pushed him toward it.

"Thank you." Thomas stepped inside and opened the bathroom door.

Amanda whirled around. "You startled me."

He glanced down at the red stain on her peach colored dress. "My apologies. We both seem to be the ones with accident prone friends tonight."

She wet a rag for him. His fingers brushed hers when he reached for it. Their eyes lifted to one another's.

Amanda looked away first. "You should take your jacket off first."

He shrugged out of it, thanking her when she offered to hold it for him. Thomas brushed at the different stains on his shirt and tie.

She did the same with his jacket.

The two worked quietly.

"Do you hear that?" She asked once the water was turned off.

He stilled. "I don't hear anything."

"Exactly!" The two hurried to the bedroom door.

It wouldn't open.

Amanda knocked on it. "Maxwell! We're stuck in here!"

Thomas leaned his ear against it. "There's no noise out there."

"I'll call someone to--" she twirled around. "Where are the phones?"

They searched throughout the drawers and closets. Nothing except a pair of pajamas and a nightgown were in the drawers.

"What is going on?" Amanda wailed, slowly backing away.

"I think," Thomas began, recognizing his pajamas from home. "that Maxwell and the others want us to spend the night together."

**************

After changing their ruined clothes, the two sat down on the bed. It seemed that Maxwell had removed the chairs that had also resided there. He had also had the television removed.

"Now what do we do?" Amanda asked. "It's only eight thirty."

Thomas tried to keep from staring at her in her silk nightgown.

She guessed that Riley and Hana had taken it earlier that day when they kept having her try on dresses. His eyes traveled up her legs --

"Why don't we talk? Settle this...whatever this is between us?" He suggested as she stood up to pace.

Amanda quit her agitated movements and sat down in a breathless huff. She reclined on the pillows and attempted to not stare at how sexy Thomas looked in pajamas. That little bit of hair flopping over his forehead softened his angular features, making her want to run her fingers through his hair as his lips touched--

"I expected you to be different." Amanda began, lowering her eyes. "I think this might be as much my fault as yours."

Thomas stretched out beside her. "What do you mean about expecting me to be different?"

She ran a hand through her hair. "I guess I expected you to be nice." She grimaced. "I thought we would get along. Perhaps become friends or...something."

"I see." He said softly. "And I ruined that when you overheard, that I was expecting the worst."

"Yes, I mean," she dropped her head back on the pillow. "I was so disappointed that you were like so many people I have encountered at court. That you were so set on disliking me…I just thought why bother even trying to be nice."

“Ah.” He snorted softly. “And in my preconceived notions, I decided you had proven me right.”

“And now we are being tortured by our so-called friends.”

He turned his head toward her. "I don't feel tortured right now."

She turned too and realized how close their faces were. "You don't?"

He focused on her mouth. Perhaps he was being tortured. "No, I actually like being around you like this."

"So not hostile or hurling insults at you?" She teased.

He surprised her with a sudden smile. "If we must make that distinction, then yes, I prefer this version to any of the others I have encountered."

Her burst of laughter made him scoot closer to her.

“I must admit, it has been exhausting remaining angry around you.” Her warm smile was focused on him for the first time. “You sir, have kept me on my toes during every altercation.”

“You have been a worthy adversary.” Thomas chuckled when she solemnly thanked him. “I haven’t’ wanted to annoy any woman as much as I have you.”

The pair became quiet in thought after sharing another laugh.

Amanda turned on her side and studied his face. "Thomas?"

"Hmm?"

"Why do you think we have been snapping at each other all this time?"

"You've been doing most of the snapping lately." He reminded her.

"I suppose I have." She admitted. "Why have you been chasing after me though since I have been, you know?"

"Cruel?" He offered. "Cold? Mean?"

"I get the picture." She grumbled. "I apologize for my rudeness."

"I told you once before I wasn't certain what it is about you, but I think I might have solved the mystery." He inched closer.

"And that is?" She asked.

"I think we have some unresolved sexual tension." Thomas waited to see what her response might be.

He didn't expect laughter.

"Hold on.” she said once she saw he was serious. "You find me attractive?"

"I did even when I despised you." He admitted.

Amanda blinked. "Oh."

He cleared his throat. When she still remained silent, he prodded her. "Any chance you find me attractive?"

"I do." Was her hurried response. "I mean, I always thought you were handsome."

"Being thought handsome is not the same as being attractive." He reminded her. "Do you find Liam handsome?"

"Of course, I do." She sighed, knowing where he was going with this. "And no, I am not physically attracted to Liam."

Thomas gently placed his hand over hers. "Then, should we use this time to test out the waters? See if the fights can cease once and for all after we discover what this is?”

Amanda slowly nodded. Before she could think too hard about all the ways this could backfire, he had pulled her flush to him. Her breath caught as he tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.

His fingertips slipped down her neck and over her shoulder, sliding down before coming back up. She closed her eyes as he caressed her skin. His eyes followed his hand before flickering up to her parted lips. He closed the distance and placed a tentative kiss to them.

And then they knew why they had been fighting so much.

**************

The next morning…

“There’s no noise.” Maxwell whispered. He had his ear pressed to the bedroom door.

“Either they are asleep, or they killed each other.” Olivia hissed. “I’m hoping he is at least bleeding out in there.” She smacked Maxwell on the back of the head. “Why did you persist in putting them together?”

“Because I know what I’m doing as a matchmaker.” He grumbled. “If you would only listen to me about you and Dra—“

She put her hand over his mouth. “I’m warning you, Maxwell. Do not ever link my name with his again.”

Addison pushed between them and pressed her ear to the door. “I say we leave their clothes here and quietly unlock the bedroom door. “I don’t want to walk in on something I shouldn’t see.”

“Good idea.” Maxwell carefully removed the chair he had wedged under the doorknob. He then unlocked the door and jumped back in case one decided to open it.

As his coconspirators sneaked out of the room, he quickly jotted down an apology in case he had been wrong and slipped it under the bedroom door.

Just as he was about to leave, the note was slipped back with a response written.

You better book another suite for yourself. This one is ours now.

Thanks for locking us in together,

A & T

[enzomcrelli]

➰ ( DJ COTRONA, CISMALE, HE/HIM ) *✧.:°░｡ —- is that LORENZO “ENZO” MORELLI ?! you know them, right? they are the 34 year old WEREWOLF (ALPHA) !! they’re known for being PERCEPTIVE & CONFIDENT - but i’d be careful if i were you because they’re also SARCASTIC & UNFORGIVING.

alright so, after about three months i’m bringing my grumpy wolf back. he’s still basically the same ( with a few tweaks here and there ) for those of you who already know him, but either way, here’s a bit about enzo:

tw: abuse, alcohol, death, murder, violence (wow)

enzo was born a werewolf. both of his parents were werewolves so it’s something that has always been a part of his life.

his mother, however, passed away a couple days after giving birth to him due to some complications, which led him to being raised by his father.

his father was an aggressive man, and the loss of his wife only made that worse. he was the alpha of a pack ( i haven’t decided where ), but he had no intentions of leading the pack to create a family-like enviromnent or anything of the sort. what he really wanted was an army, and the wolves that joined the pack were ones that were okay with that ─ that wanted that, even. basically, they tiptoed around the law, doing just enough to keep shadowhunters/the clave off their backs. but it wasn’t exactly a secret that they weren’t nice.

ever since enzo was born (actually, ever since his mother found out she was pregnant), his father wanted to raise him and prepare him to take over the pack one day. enzo was not interested in being a leader at all tho ─ not to the pack his father had created.

their relationship was very strained and not healthy. one day they had a pretty nasty fight and his father basically gave him an ultimatum. enzo decided he’d had enough and packed up his things and left ( he was 17, a few weeks away from 18, when that happened ).

enzo vc: loyalty? to this pack? fuck that shit i’m out

along the way, he stumbled upon a young, scared wolf, also known as annabelle ( @annabcllc ). he instantly felt protective over the girl, wanting to help her adjust to the werewolf life, to look out for her and make sure she would be okay. he took her in as his ward. anna means the world to enzo, and to this day he is incredibly protective of her.

his name is actually lorenzo, but ever since he left his father’s pack and went away on his own, he only goes by enzo. very few people know that his full name is lorenzo, and it’s not something he plans on changing. lorenzo is the name his father gave him. don’t call him lorenzo or you will get kicked where the sun doesn’t shine.

ever since then, he’s pretty much been all over, never staying in one place for too long. he’s very skilled at fighting and is also great with guns; picked up a few jobs here and there for money. ranged from theft to being a gun for hire.

arrived in wilshire over a year ago but didn’t sign up for the bonds.

became the owner of the hunter’s moon on january 2018 after purchasing the location from its previous owner.

then, on september, enzo became the alpha of the local pack. he didn’t get along with the former alpha to begin with, which wasn’t a secret. although enzo wasn’t part of the pack, he is the owner of the hunter’s moon, so he was around the pack a lot and that included their alpha. but the last straw came when enzo noticed that on the upcoming war, the man was making selfish choices and not thinking of the pack’s best interests. he wasn’t happy when enzo called him out on it one night. things got heated and enzo ended up taking his life and becoming the new alpha.

when he first arrived in wilshire, he didn’t even join the pack, so needless to say, he’s still learning how to navigate through that huge ass change in his life. most importantly, he wants to make sure he doesn’t become his father

has a bit of a hard shell to crack ( emphasis on hard,,, ) but he is actually extremely protective of the people he loves and cares about, which includes the wolves on the pack of course. he has a bit of a soft spot for wolves in general, but will deny this.

personality wise, he can be very sarcastic and almost detached in a way. it’s something he picked up throughout the years as a way of protecting himself??

is also very perceptive and able to pick up on things easily ( unless his feelings are involved, in which case he becomes a bit of a mess ).

he’s confident ( which goes for his abilities as a werewolf but also generally speaking, if that makes sense?? like, there’s still self-loathing there, especially because he blames himself for his mother’s death, something that was also often instilled/implied by his father, but the way he carries himself demonstrates confidence ).

he’s also unforgiving in the sense that once you betray his trust, it’s hard to gain it back.

has only been in love once and…….. enzo vc: 0/10 would recommend falling in love ( don’t listen to him he’s just bitter and lowkey heartbroken ).

[wilshirehq]

And you thought the Wallace kids were bad - just wait until you meet their parents. The air in the dining room pf the Wallace manor is tense to say the least. With the Wallace parents suddenly amongst the living again, it only makes since that the family would come together for an all too extravagant meal. How will the evening pan out? Will everyone survive? Will tears be shed and hearts be broken? Stay tuned to find out what happens in the next episode of Wilshire's Gone to Hell.

below is a chatzy log for a dinner involving the wallace family, including their resurrected parents! please be sure you read the trigger warning list before continuing, as there are some heavy topics discussed. if you are afraid you can’t get through it, message the main and we’ll give you the main details!! 

as always, please like this post once you’ve read it!!

TRIGGER WARNINGS: violence, abortion mention, death ( including the death of a child ), mention of blood and gore, car accident, child abuse mention, neglect mention.

Parents

As she watched their children and their...partners, Elizabeth barely kept her disgust hidden behind the carefully crafted mask of politeness, poised as ever with on hand delicately placed over her husband's. She'd already made mention her disappointment in her children - namely their partners and the abominations they called children - several times over, and couldn't help but find a certain satisfaction in their reactions. Elias, on the other hand, did nothing to hide his disdain for the filth that had filled into their presence. It was bad enough that one of their own had allowed herself to become one of those abominations - the thought that she'd had the audacity to breed, or that their sons had thought to further sully their bloodline with mixed shadowhunters, or that Leonard had taken a warlock as his partner - disgusting. Still, he'd yet to pay much mind to any of the women - instead focusing his attention on Leonard himself.

[ This is simply to set the scene. The dinner has been going on for about half an hour now, with no clear end in sight. Both Wallace parents have been berating their children, albeit in different ways. Elizabeth - the mother - is focusing her spite on Elena, Nora, Lilian, Thea, and the children. Elias - the father - is more focused on Leonard, and anyone that attempts to stand up for him in any way. ]

Jeremiah

Jeremiah casts yet another concerned glance to his fiance, gaze flicking between her and his parents. He'd known a dinner with the Wallace elders would end in disaster, all he could do now was damage control. He wasn't doing it successfully. " Mother. Father. " he starts through gritted teeth, trying to drag the attention off of the others. " Nora and I have an announcement to make . " Is this the best time? Likely not, but with any luck, it may just improve the mood. " My beautiful fiance is pregnant ... with triplets . "

Leonard

Leo could already see that the dinner wasn't going as planned (he knew trusting their parents' promises of having it going smoothly was a mistake but at least they could act like nothing was wrong, he had hoped) but there was no turning back now. Casting a glance at Lily who was seemingly tense as well, his attention was caught by his eldest brother who started to speak, the hope that he'd be able to put an end to the tension building in the shadowhunter. The announcement was a surprise, but unlike everything else about the dinner, was a pleasant one. A smile (surprisingly a genuine one) spread across his face, Leo looked at his brother, leaning back in his seat. "What delightful news," he said cheerfully, a grin taking the smile's place as his gaze drifted towards Jeremiah. "I see someone wasted no time. Congratulations to the both of you."

( Status of Nora: Tense, avoiding the gaze of the parents and casting a smile at the other pleasant faces around the table. Status of Elena: Quiet, holding Quill's hand through the whole time and hoping not to be seen. )

Thea

Thea had been on edge since she'd heard her parents were alive at all, and the idea of having to face them was not something she'd been looking forward to - especially not with her kids around. Yet here she was, casting glances between her siblings and her kids and really anywhere that didn't have her looking at her parents. Every dig her mother had made thus far had pushed her just a little further, and she could already feel the ache in her bones as the tiger lurking inside practically begged to be let out. Her brother's sudden announcement, however, was enough to send a momentary wave of calm through her as a grin spread across her lips. "I'll second that - congrats on joining the multiples club!"

( Lily - very clearly unhappy, has a spell up around the kids so they don't hear the awful things their grandparents are saying about them. Really wants to stab Elizabeth with a fork. Poppy & Quinton - honestly pretty okay thanks to Lily's spell and the tasty food, plus there's a baby and there's Lukas. Pretty good atm 💗 )

Amalie

Amalie had been keeping quiet, knowing that the family dinners always were awkward and painful each year. The years passing by didn't make it any easier. It was like pulling teeth. She normally did keep her quiet, one because she wanted to stay out of the mess that was the arguments that always ensued, and two because she wasn't exactly the best socially in the family. But when she heard the news from her eldest brother, she smiled and rose her head from her mobile. "Congrats you two. I'm so excited for you both" she beams.

Parents

Elizabeth remained silent for several moments after her eldest's revelation, expression shifting from shock to disgust to something akin to anger. When she finally does speak, her voice is cold and low, eyes flicking between his son and his so-called fiancée. "Unfortunate. And how far along are you, exactly?" It takes nearly all her will not to say anything further, though she couldn't help but grin as her husband seemed even more irate at the idea than she.

Elias slammed his wine glass down hard enough that the stem cracked, though it didn't quite break fully, jaw clenched as he turned his attention from their demon-blooded son to their eldest, fixing him with an icy glare. "Excuse me? You mean to tell us that you and your little half-fish mutt intend to further drag our name through the mud?Is there even a single one of you that deserves to carry the Wallace name? No, no I don't think there is. You're just a bunch of idiots, useless freaks who can't even uphold your duty."

Jeremiah

Jeremiah tenses, eyes narrowed and jaw set as he glares at his parents. " Her name is Nora and she's worth more than either of you could ever be . It's not unfortunate mother , it's a blessing . " It's a struggle not to raise his voice, one that he ultimately ends up losing as he rounds on his father. It's odd. For so many years he'd been terrified of uttering a single word against his parents. " How dare you , " he spits. " Tell me , who upheld the Wallace name for the past eighteen years whilst you were rotting in graves that frankly , you should've stayed in ? Do you think any of us care ? This isn't about you ! This isn't about either of you and fuck what you think. These useless freaks ? Quill just married his best friend . Thea has raised the most beautiful children on her own . Amalie is one of the smartest shadowhunters in the institute. And Leo ? Leo might just become the next Head of our Institute . They did it all , with no thanks to either of you . Go and crawl back to your graves , we were fine without you before , we'll be perfect without you now . "

Leonard

Not many things in this world can manage to make the demon-blooded shadowhunter flinch, but as soon as he heard the glass slam and crack on the table he did, eyes darting towards the man, the so called father of the family. His words making his blood start to boil in his veins, Leo could feel the anger in him rise; his eldest brother, Jeremiah, was probably one of the best thing that had ever happened to this mess of a family. That bastard had no right to insult him like that. "Cut the crap will you? Your existence itself is enough to ruin the family name. Those children will meet a fate brighter than the one you provided for all of us combined. Don't act like we both don't know Jeremiah had always been a better father than you, even when he had no children on the way." Leo said, in between hissing and glaring daggers at Elias. He had nothing to say to their venomous snake of a mother, and even if he did, he'd stop right away as Nora began to speak.

"These are my children," Nora began, voice shaky as her gaze was locked on the table for a moment before she raised it to look at the other 'mother', eyes slightly glassy and breath hitched. "...and his." She continued, gaze flickering to Jerry before she swallowed, hand coming to rest on her quite small but apparent to the eye baby bump protectively, the motherly instincts in her kicking in. "You have no right to talk about them like that, grandparents or not. Please don't let things get unpleasant." She said, trying to keep her voice steady but she was quite hurt by their words and especially under Elizabeth's glare, something else just kicked in; fear. And that made her wrap her arm around her belly tighter, sinking in her chair.

(Elena: Starting to get scared, clutching Quill's hand tight and caressing his arm, hoping to keep him calm.)

Thea

The growl that slipped past Thea's lips was unintentional, a response to the cracking glass and raised voices. Bright blue eyes are suddenly a golden yellow - fight or flight mode is kicking in and the werecat's not the sort to flee, not when her family is involved. Her touch is gentle as she reaches out to rest a hand on the arm of the woman beside her in an attempt to offer reassurance, gaze locked on her parents. She had nothing to say, not this time - her brothers seemed to be handling it beautifully, but it was clear from her posture, the way she'd shifted closer to Nora, that she was ready for the fight that she felt was inevitable. Jeremiah or Leo, Elizabeth or Elias - she wasn't sure who'd swing first, but she could see the look in her mothers eyes - a look she knew all too well - that said she wasn't done prodding.

( Lily is shifting her spell, trying to work in a protection charm and move it to include Lukas and Nora and Elena. She's barely keeping herself from saying anything. Poppy and Quinton, while not really able to hear what's going on, can feel and smell their mother's unease - they're eyes are the same golden color that Thea's are and they are trying to sink under the table. )

Amalie

The fight kicking off, Amalie felt her own anger building as she heard the frankly disgusting words towards everyone, especially Nora. She was sick of all of this, sick of the fighting, sick of being treated like a lesser. She stood up abruptly and glared at their parents, hands clenched to fists by her side. "How can you be so disgustingly rude and thoughtless. I'm sick and tired of you acting like we're all dirt on your shoes. You're both nothing but a pair of snobby, stuck-up bastards who have done nothing to help us ever. You think we're just going to take it after all these years? No! I'm not standing here and letting you do this again. Fuck you!!"

She walked over to Nora, putting her arm around her sister in law to be {nora} and urging her to come with her before glancing over to Elena, Lukas, and the Kids, "come on, let's get out of here"

Parents

"And who was it, pray tell, that brought us back? Better yet - who put us in those graves? Certainly not you, dearest Jeremiah. No, as a matter of fact the answer to both questions is one and the same - would anyone care to take a guess?" Elizabeth's voice was filled with something between venom and the lilt of a song, a laugh spilling out as she once again turned her attention to Nora. "You know, it's not too late to terminate the pregnancy - save yourself the trouble this family brings. After all, who's to say your offspring wouldn't turn out just like their uncle. And you, dear sweet Amalie," she muses, a wild glint in her eyes as she calls out to her youngest, turning to study her for a moment before continuing. "Tell me, what were we meant to do for you from the grave? The grave your brother put us in, all those years ago? Should we've followed you around, two ghosts like lost puppies who could do little more than bark? No, I must say we had no desire to watch you each grew into such disappointments. Besides, you had you're fantastic older brother there to look after you, didn't you? Sad that your half brother didn't have that luxury."

Elias knew better than to speak over his wife - for all she was on his side he knew her anger could snap to him just as quickly as any other - and as such he waited for her to reach a pause before speaking again, standing as he studied each of his children. "'Upheld the Wallace name'? We paved a path to greatness for you and yet each and every one of you squandered it away as if we'd done nothing. Alexander, to my understanding, wasn't even here until just this last year - yet here he is, likely one of the brightest of you but married to that half-breed girl. Leonard wasted whatever little potential he had left after becoming a murderous bastard by shacking up with some half-demon bitch and what, raising an infant just like her and a grown man? And tell me where were you, Jeremiah, when your sister ran out and got herself turned? Tell me what sort of father figure would let that happen - had she been raised by her actual father she would've had the skill needed to avoid such a fate. And can you tell me, did any of you even know Alexandra bore these children before this year? because the vast majority of people I've spoken with said it had come as a surprise when two six year olds suddenly turned up following her around. And Amilie, full of so much potential that has undoubtably been wasted after being raised by your foolish brothers, such a pity and I'm honestly sorry." He paused then, lifting his glass to his lips before continuing. "And don't even get me started on you, Jeremiah. Foolish Jeremiah, always trailing after your brother and cleaning up his messes. Tell me, did you cover for our murder too?"

Jeremiah

Jeremiah flinches, fists clenched and wisps of smoke slowly rising from his skin as he stands. He needs to calm down, his angel blood and it's ability he'd kept from his siblings, and now wasn't the time to reveal it. " Hey - don't talk to them like that . " He snaps, stepping around the table, closer to their father. " You want to go on about how we're the disappointments in the family ? Well I guess we got it from our parents . " At the mention of their murder he stills, casting an anxious glance at the others before shaking his head. " Would you like to know something Father ? I did . I covered it . And if he didn't kill you , I would've ; And I would've burned every shred of your precious legacy to the ground . You want to talk about your deaths ? fine . Let's talk about how you got there . Let's talk about everything you did to your oh so precious sons that made them hate you enough to want your heads on spikes . "

Leonard

As soon as the 'father' mentioned the murder, Leo felt as if his blood turned ice, a breath hitching and being stuck in his throat. No wonder if Lily felt it as well, it was evident in her eyes as he turned to look at her that she felt it all and had it not been for the somewhat mustered up stability in her eyes, he would've already been attacking one of them, if not both. He had never been one for stability. Slowly, his gaze turned towards Elias again, fire burning in those eyes as Jeremiah stood up, the smoke rising from him concerning and confusing him for a moment. But before he could focus further, his eldest brother's words wiping the small strike of worry from his face, bringing out the courage to speak again. "Let's call it a humble gift from me to my siblings and well, rest of the shadow world." He said, giving a pause as he heard Quill trying to begin with something to say, out of confusion. "Not now, brother -- yes, I did it all. That was for a reason, just like you are here today for one." Leo's lips formed into a sly smirk as he stood up from his chair, unlike Jeremiah, quite calmly. "See, father, the people we've collected around us; Jeremiah's fiance, Quill's wife, Thea's brilliant children," he began to say, unlikely words to be heard from the shadowhunter. He had never showed sympathy for that girl his youngest brother married and ever since Thea was turned, their relationship was clearly strained but right now he was looking at each one of them with such genuine flame in his eyes, which finally landed on Lily. "and my lovely partner." He finished off, taking a breath before the flame was replaced with one of hate, gaze returned to the father as he opened his hands to the sides. "We've found our seperate ways all the while remaining as one, strained or not. While you two were rotting under seven feet. May I ask -- how was hell? I reckon it must be quite hot at this time of the year?" He taunted, grin spreading before he turned towards the rest of the table, pointing a finger around. "And yes, yes - yes I did. I killed them. With my bare hands. At 16. Ah, these mighty bastards, I ripped them apart as a young boy. You all should be thanking me. Had it not been for me you all would end up corrupted in one way or another, like they did to me." At the end of his sentence, the unstability in him was clear than ever, eyes flashing golden for a second before his fist landed on the table. "I murdered them. I did. It was the best fucking thing I did for this family."

(Nora stood up the moment Jerry did, standing right next to him as she refuses to stay if he's leaving, though since he remained so did she; hurt by the parents words and fearing the safety of her babies Elena is on the brink of tears, holding onto Quill's arm tighter as she casts glances at her parabatai; the tension scaring her quite a lot.)

Thea

Something in Thea snapped as her mother suggested Nora get an abortion, yet she still managed to bide her time as her brothers spoke. Somehow she wasn't shocked to learn it was Leo who had killed them, or even that they'd had some secret half sibling. She is surprised when Leo speaks up for them all - she loves her brother, really, but she's never known him to be the sort to be soft on his family. She's out of her seat as her older brothers finish, her voice low and dangerous as she finally speaks after remaining quiet for most of the evening. "Say one more word - a single vile thing about them - and you'll find out just how easy it is to meet my fate, dad." She grimaces as claws break through her fingertips, though the look simply shifts into a snarl as she sees her mother moving. Her control is waning, and she knows her kids have picked up on her displeasure - knows there's now two tiger cubs curled together under the table trying to hide - which only has her more on edge. "You keep going on and on about our failures, but what of your own? Because as I recall it was you who started my on my path to who I am now. The neglect. All the training. The way you'd go after Leo, and then Jeremiah when he'd stand up for him. You abused us - do you really think anything you say now could turn us against each other, after everything you've done that pushed us together?" Her carefully crafted American accent is gone, leaving her resembling her family even more than ever. "This? All of this? If anyone's to blame its you. You created us, and you have no right to belittle us for your shortcomings as parents. Jeremiah and Nora will make wonderful parents, and their babies will be beautiful. Elena makes Quill happy and is an absolutely amazing woman. My kids? I was too afraid I'd be like you to raise them myself, but in the few months I've had them they've brightened my life so, so much that I can't imagine another day without them. Lily, Lukas, and Rain have changed Leo so much that he's almost bearable to be around," there's a slight teasing tone as she casts a quick glance at her brother, but it's gone again as soon as her attention is back on their mother. "And for the last goddamn time - My. Name. Is. Amalthea."

( Lily is livid, plus Leo's anger is flowing through her, but she's doing her best to bottle it up and keep herself even. Still she's shifting her spell, she's got a nice safe little bubble that she's subtly urging Elena, Quill, Lukas, and the kids into, and she's trying to urge Amilie and Nora as well but she can only do so much.

Poppy and Quinton are curled up on the floor under the table, just outside the bubble - meaning they can hear everything now. Q is wrapped around Poppy in a protective manner and softly growling in the direction of his grandparents. )

Amalie

It had all reached a boiling point, insults being thrown around, tempers flaring quite literally, Amalie had had enough of it all. She shook her head and stepped back, fingers raking through her long brown locks as she stepped back, stressed and angry. "No. I have had enough. I'm leaving. If anyone wants to join me, then i won't blame you" she cast a fierce glare at her waste of space parents and stormed outside, slamming the door behind her.

She practically sped down the street, her mind a tumultuous mess. She was completely in her own head, buzzing with anger... That was until she was crossing the road, unaware of her surroundings until she heard a loud lorry horn accompanied by said lorry hurtling toward her. Before she could even react, it hit... everything went black

Parents

Elias moved first, though watching them from the outside he and Elizabeth moved perfectly in sync - as if they'd planned and choreographed everything beforehand. As he darted for Leo, brandishing a knife seemingly out of nowhere, Elizabeth made her move against Nora - a matching blade in her hand.

She managed to slice the woman across the slight swell of her belly, though not as deeply as she would've liked, Thea leaping into action and knocking the resurrected shadowhunter away and putting herself between them. Elizabeth, enraged at the fact that she'd failed to take down her target, turned her blade first towards Thea and then towards the tiny orange blur that had launched itself at her from under the table. Between the cub and Thea, Elizabeth was kept preoccupied for several moments - up until she tossed the cub down and focused her attention on her daughter.

At the same time Elias' fist met Leo's jaw, the latter managing to land several hits before the elder had lifted him by his shirt and thrown him backwards into a mirror, landing a swift hit to Lily's gut when she tried to get between them, leaving her both breathless and bleeding from the blade still in his hand, before continuing his pursuit of his son - determined to erase the mistake he and his wife had created all those years ago.

Jeremiah

He's frozen as it happens, close enough to watch the blade slice through his fiance's stomach, but too far to stop his mother's attack. Jeremiah moves to Nora instantly, pulling the half mer into his chest as he presses his hands to her bump, a lump in his throat as he checks her over. His panic recedes slightly as he examines it , " it's just a flesh wound . Just a flesh wound , you're okay , we're okay . " The assurance is more to himself than anyone else and it isn't until he catches the glint of a blade from the corner of his eye that he forces himself away from her. The panic gives way to fury and Jeremiah feels himself igniting, lunging towards his father and grabbing the arm wielding the blade with his own, covered in flame. He feels the flesh as it sizzles and burns beneath his grip, and twists behind his father, blade falling from his grip as the patriarch screams.

Leonard

Nora was too late to see the woman approaching her fast with a knife in her hand but luckily, Thea wasn’t. In fact, the werecat was just in time to push Elizabeth out of the way, leaving her only with a cut down her chest and belly, which would be healed completely without a scar if it was treated within a few hours by an iratze. But in shock, panic and instant fear the half mer let out a scream, her knees giving in just when Jeremiah arrived at her side to hold her and check her slight baby bump. It was a blur as Nora began to cry, too shocked to even move, but she heard him telling that they were okay which was enough to keep her from passing out — yet. As soon as her fiance left her side she sunk onto the floor against the wall, hands clutching her belly as she cried uncontrollably.

On the other side of the room, things weren’t any brighter. Just having been thrown into a large mirror, Leo took a moment to recover, dark demon ichor dripping from every single cut on his body, clothes ripped everywhere. But the moment he saw (and felt) Lily getting hurt, he was trying to get on his feet to help her, only to be pinned down again by their father. Growling, he tried to fight him off, the blade too close to his face for a moment before suddenly the struggle relieved a bit and that was when he realized his brother had came to his rescue. Jeremiah, his confidant, his savior — as always was there for him, keeping him safe from the merciless hands of their father. Though now he was actually able to overpower their father, the flame is confusing but nevertheless an advantage, one he’d question later. Now was time to move. With a burst of power Leo lunched forward, toppling down the elder shadowhunter. With no weapon, Leo’s best bet was his own hands. He had ripped them apart bare handed at 16. He could do it again. And with the little bit of magic that he had tapped into with the help of his demon bloof and Lily, his fingertips buzzed and dug into the man’s chest until he was clutching his heart and he eventually pulled it oyt, forcefully ripping it out as he fell backwards. Panting, he looked at his older brother, the still heart still in his blood covered hand, not realizing that in the other side of the room the struggle hadn’t stopped yet.

Thea

Thea let out something akin to a roar as the cub hit the ground with a thud and a whimper, her shoulder driving into the woman's ribs and propelling her into the wall, claws digging into her in spite of the blade she'd lodged into Thea's side. The werecat was angry, wounded, and above all her children were in danger - any thoughts of controlling herself were long gone as she tore into the woman who bore her. She's barely aware when Quill moves up to join her, her twin joining in her fight and disarming the woman. By the time Thea dropped her the light was gone from her eyes and the were was a mess, panting as she tried to catch her breath - which caught in her throat the moment she heard it. Poppy was whimpering, the girl still in tiger form as she nudged her brother and tried to wake him, crying for her mother. In an instant Thea was there at her childrens' side pulling the limp cub into her arms just as he whimpered and shuddered and shifted back, eyes glossy and empty. The sound that tore itself from her lips wasn't human, the woman clinging to her son's broken form as she sobbed and begged him to wake up - begged for someone to help her, to bring him back. She couldn't do this, she couldn't lose him when she'd just gotten them back...and yet he was gone. Poppy had shifted back and nestled herself against her mother, sobbing in a much quieter way as she clenched her eyes shut.

Lily, who had finally caught her breath and been on her way to Leo when she'd heard the woman's anguish, had tears in her eyes as she wrapped her arms around herself. She managed to tear her gaze away and make her way to her partner's side, one delicate hand reaching for his as she let her wards down. The danger was gone, but the pain....the pain would never go away.

[forshcdcwed]

➰ ( ELIZA TAYLOR, CISFEMALE, SHE/HER ) *✧.:°░｡ —- is that CASSANDRA SKYFORTH?! you know them, right? they are the 25 year old SHADOWHUNTER!! they’re known for being INTUITIVE & DECISIVE - but i’d be careful if i were you because they’re also STUBBORN & RETICENT.

cassie is from the edinburgh institute !!

her family have a v proud heritage and have always been based in scotland; they’re celt as heck

cassie has a twin brother who was bitten by wolves on a hunt in the highlands. after he became a wolf, their parents disowned him and kicked him out. they tried to force cassie to do the same and in appearance she did but kept in contact, kept meeting up in secret, basically is a decent person and loved her brother no matter what

when she was eighteen her parents were both killed taking down a rogue vampire nest. as their sole heir, she inherited their estate and is the last remaining skyforth in the bloodline. she helped her brother come home but the house was filled with too many bad memories for them. using their parents wealth, they bought a flat in the city and only return to the manor when they need any of the old armory/books etc.

whilst cassie has mostly been based in the edinburgh institute, she has traveled all over the world and assisted in most other institutes. she is known for being clear headed, tactical and willing to make the hard choices. people have joked that she’s robotic in the way she can shut off her emotion but it is a lesson that her parents taught her ( unwittingly ) to keep the things you hold dear to yourself so others cannot take them from you.

when she learned of the pairings, cass volunteered and convinced her brother to join. she is all for any efforts to create harmony between the shadow and downworlds and to help reduce the prejudice that surrounds downworlders.

cassie is a good fighter, quick on her feet, but is very aware that she is not the best. however she is endless smart and makes up for her lack of brawn with brains. her weapon of choice is bow and arrow (if ur picturing merida from brave then u arE RIGHT )

she is stubborn as heck, always right even when she’s wrong, and keeps people at arms length, compartmentalizes. however when you do crack this nut, you’ll realize she already knows everything about you bc she’s silently observing all the tiny things that make you tick and will do everything she can in every way she knows to make you happy. she’s fiercely loyal ( she overcompensates a bit for the guilt she has for not standing up for her brother enough ) and will do anything for the people that matters.

it takes a lot to make her angry, she’s usually just extraordinarily blunt or cold because she deals in logical responses as opposed to emotion fuelled ones

her pairing with ben has made her even more devoted to downworlders and she’s more loyal to the pack than to shadowhunters.

at least she was.....

recently her twin brother was arrested and accused of committing various attacks around wilshire. while trying to figure out who the real villain is and get the evidence she needed to free her brother, cassie discovered the truth. and in doing so has been silenced.

cassie has had all her memories suppressed in the back of her mind. she doesn’t know who she is, what she is, or who anyone is.(therefore keeping the identity of the villain a secret) she has latent memories e.g. she could still fight though she wouldn’t know how she knows how to ?? and ironically she’s reliant on feelings, she still has feelings towards people that guide her on her recognition. however much of her drilled in personality is gone. perhaps saddest of all, she has no real understanding of the fact that her brother has been executed. though when she sees his body it will probably tear her apart bc even though she doesn’t know him, she feels like she loves him. 

given her situation, the clave have confined her to the institute unless she is accompanied by someone that they trust. 

[labgrownsteaks]

Chapter 21

We were all sitting down next to the river. Our bikes leaned up against some rocks in the parking lot. Guy stared at his phone. The little service indicator in the top right corner remained, but next to it read "No service" . He powered off his phone, and looked up at the river flowing by.

"So what do we do now?" he muttered.

"We wait" Erin responded.

"How much of the grid do you think we took out?" I asked

"No way to tell without service" Erin answered

There were a lot of things connected to the internet which we never thought about. Gas stations, television stations, banks. Everything needed to be online in order to function. All of that was gone now.

"Everyone seems to be behaving pretty well" Guy said, referring to the fact that we could've descended into civil unrest and chaos. On our ride to our spot by the river, we saw the gun shop owners staked out in front of their properties, with their AR15s and trucks parked sideways in front of their strip mall businesses. But nobody was looting, and freaking out. But there was a sense of unease in the air. Everyone could sense it. The internet was a bigger part of everyone's life than they had realized. From checking your instagram likes, to sending an email to work, all of it suddenly vanished, and while some had enjoyed this newfound freedom, as it warranted the best excuse ever in the history of the world, others were starting to freak out. The lines outside the gas station ran for blocks, but were also pointless, as the gas couldn't even be dispensed. The kid working the counter was helpless and when the manager arrived he couldn't do much, including lock the place as it was open 24 hours and had never been closed in years. He made due selling chips and soda to the masses who were panic buying everything in the store. We weren't really that worried because we had all been informed by Siri that we were merely rebooting the computers. The whole point of a reboot is that the computer starts up again, it had to. But what had been put on that USB, and why had we gone along with everything that we were told? What if, while we were gophers, we had just said no. Why did we even need to carry out the mission?

A fisherman pulled into the parking lot in an old Ford F150, late 70s model. He was an old timer, most likely in his mid 60s. He had the look of someone who had seen a lot of sun and Bud Light in his day. He grabbed a folding chair out of the bed of his truck, a cooler, an old tape player, and a couple fishing poles. He got set up in his spot about 20 yards from us, through a couple bobbers into the river, and plopped down into his chair before cracking a Bud Light and placing it into the cup cozy which was built into his collapsible chair. He pressed the play button on the old tape player, it was the size of a walkman but had a speaker on the other side of it. He was playing Johnny Cash. He looked over at us, since he was kind of the main attraction at the moment, and shouted out "What more do ya need?" Guy raised up his hands and shouted back "not much man!" . The old man's rods were stuck in the sand of the river bank with those holder things. He stood up, lit up a cigarette and started walking over towards us. He seemed harmless, but at the same time, with everything we had been through we couldn't help be a bit dubious about everything happening around us. What was real and what wasn't. We hadn't taken any shrooms or anything, but who knows what anyone had up their sleeves.

The old man got within hearing distance and started talking as he approached "You seein this shit?" Guy responded "Pretty crazy isn't it?" The old man spit onto the ground, and gave us a dubious glance. He had a big white beard, glasses, and a beat up hat which read "Schloss' Towing & Service" and a picture of a red towtruck on a white background. "These dumbshits all running around like a chicken with their head cut off" he stated. Erin nodded and gave a simple "Yep" in response. "You'd think their damn world ended because they can't get online and see a picture of a cat using a toilet. The world's still here last I checked isn't it?" he said with a smile and slight chuckle. "Yeah, the internet is pretty important to people isn't it?" I said, trying to bond with the guy as I really liked his approach and his demeanor was soothing amidst all the chaos. "Hell, I think they ought to give however attacked that substation a medal!" the old man continued. "Instead they calling em terrorists" he continued. Erin's eyes widened "Who's calling them terrorists?" The man looked at her with a smile, "The police hon, I heard it on the CB in my truck" "The police lines and short wave are still working. You can come listen if you want to. Lord knows I aint gonna be gettin any bites for hours" I was the first to respond. "I'd love to have a listen if that's cool sir. " The old man bristled at the word, Sir "Hey kid, look, I appreciate you calling me Sir, good for you, you don't see that with a lot of kids these days. But my name's Schloss" he said as he motioned us back to his truck. "Come have a listen" . And we all got up off our rocks, and walked back to his baby blue F150. He cracked the door open and turned the key backwards until the power came on. At first a slight crackling, and then Schloss turned the knob gently while looking right at me, and a voice began to pierce through the speakers. It said "2420 we have a 211 in progress at Rick's Sporting Goods. Respond immediately to Rick's Sporting Goods, located at 211 East Wilshire Ave." Another cop responded "Copy that. En route. Over" The old man shook his head "Bunch of goddam dipshits I tell ya. Can't go a day with internet before they start losing their shit"

Erin then piped up and asked the man "So... what did you hear about this being a terror attack?" Schloss responded "They're sendin in the Feds apparently. Somebody blew up a substation about 17 miles out of town near McKenzie. Whole transformer lit up like a Christmas tree out there! haha! But yeah, they mention DHS, that means they saying it's terrorism. Lord knows they've got cameras all over that place. I'm sure they got a pretty good look at whoever done it."

At that moment a bell began to ring, not from a phone, but an old fashioned bell, it was located at the top of one of Schloss' reels. He rushed over and grabbed the reel and began to pull back as the rod began to arc. "Wooooo! These walleye hit hard! You wanna reel it in kid?" he said, looking back at us. We all sat silent, none of us had ever fished before. "I will!" Erin said as she began to jog towards him. Schloss gave her the rod, and instructed her on how to use it. She got the hang of it quickly, and you could tell she was having a moment she should've had with a father. Her face lit up. "Go on now! Bring er in!" The old man shouted. "Hey you! Stretch!" Schloss said to Guy, "grab my net out of the bed!" Guy brought the net over, and we could see the white of the fish just below the surface, coming closer and closer to the shore. "You're gonna net it stretch!" The old man shouted. The water splashed violently as the fish came closer to shore, and Guy got under it with the net. "Yes!" Erin exclaimed. The old man brought a white 5 gallon pail, filled it with water quickly, and plopped the fish into it. We all looked at the fish in the pail, it's beautiful irrididescent body gleaming in the light. "What else do ya need?" the old man repeated again. "not much" I said. "Not much"

[croissantbae]

November 9, 2020

My posts are too far between. I forget all the things I wanted to post by the time I have some time to write. Here are the things that are top of mind

(1) Biden: I am very happy he won but strangely I don’t feel ecstatic. I thought i would be so much happier than i am but I think I’m just a little shocked still by how many people actually voted for trump that it’s sort of stifling my joy. It also felt a bit anticlimactic the way we found out after waiting several days. I feel bad for Biden. He’s inheriting a shit storm and I feel like now we’ve just gotten past step 1 of getting a loser out of office. It should have been a low bar but it took so long to get here. Now the real hard work begins. People are still jobless. Covid is on the rise. Homelessness abounds. Climate change rages on.

(2) snacking: I go way too hard. I’ve developed a habit of eating something late at night while working. Tonight I ate four packets of thinaddictives. Damn those things are truly addictive. Meanwhile Jasons on keto losing weight. I am going to end up gaining 50 lbs again for this pregnancy and Jasons gonna look better than before. Not fair. I am pretty excited to never be pregnant again. It’s not as fun this time around when I’m literally just working and sitting and getting fat.

(3) naya: I know I’ve said this a million times already but I love her so much and she’s sooo cute. I don’t know how many times a day Jason and I tell each other “she’s so cute. She’s so cute.” Even my mom was like this is the cutest time. She’s just so funny and spunky. Latelt she says “shark” a lot but she says it in a way that makes it seem like she’s saying shit in a really sassy way. “Shaatt.” And she says “wow” or “Whoah” a lot. today in the car she picked up the costco kitchen remodeling pamphlet and she goes “wow wow wow.” Can’t help but crack up. Like, you like that Italian marble naya??

(4) seasons: Jason and I put up Christmas lights on our patio in anticipation of Christmas. It makes such a difference in the vibe of the house. Also I really feel so settled in our place now. It really is home. The heater being on makes it feel super cozy. Today Jason turned on the princess frog or something (the one in New Orleans) and I enjoyed the movie very very much (listening second hand while working). All this - the lights, the cold weather / heater running, turning on movies on the weekend - is so very enjoyable. We’re going to get my moms Christmas tre soon (she can’t use this one because it’s too high). Need to buy Xmas tree decorations! First time legit owning our own decorations. Before it was always my moms stuff at her place. Or we just didn’t do a tree when we lived at 3033 Wilshire. Being a parent is fun because you get into this stuff too.

(5) Work: I am definitely losing steam w work. I really hope that this month is more manageable and I can front load stuff. Although I already know it’s going to be pretty rough...

[joshuajacksonlyblog]

Making Regulatory Progress With Bitcoin ETFs and Pricing

Since 2013, one of the ongoing conversations between U.S. regulators and digital asset market participants has been the attempt to get a bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) approved. By my count, there have been 24 ETF application listings filed, with all but one either rejected by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or withdrawn (the United States Bitcoin and Treasury Investment Trust from Wilshire Phoenix continues to go through the SEC’s approval process).

Each of these ETFs has taken a unique crack at satisfying the requirements demanded by the SEC of ETFs, from reliance on different underlying assets — like “physical” Bitcoin and futures traded on regulated exchanges — to different underlying index methodologies. Unfortunately, none of these combinations has managed to satisfy the regulator’s demands, which from our reading of regulatory filings as well as public comments from members of the SEC, continues to evolve as the asset class matures. 

The industry has been working directly with regulators, helping them to understand issues they currently confront. What follows is an exploration of the history of the SEC’s ETF rejections, the current state of the conversation around bitcoin prices, and what can be done to move the conversation forward.

The Importance of a Bitcoin ETF

ETFs offer many advantages to traditional investment vehicles, like open– and closed-ended funds. These advantages include liquidity, access to unique asset classes and investment strategies, portfolio diversification, tax efficiencies, ability to margin and low costs. Specifically, for a bitcoin ETF, benefits include investor protections, tax benefits and asset class access. 

A bitcoin ETF would offer investors the protections and disclosures of federal securities laws that are not afforded through existing bitcoin ownership options. Furthermore, ETFs bring with them transparency in underlying asset ownership through a net asset value (NAV), intra-day liquidity and simplicity in tax reporting. Finally, the U.S. operates some of the most trusted and liquid markets in the world. As a globally respected regulator, the SEC’s approval could be viewed as a signal to other financial regulators around the globe.

The SEC’s Objections Thus Far: Price Manipulation and Fraudulent Activity

In the disapproval orders for bitcoin ETFs and in public comments, the SEC and its members have consistently cited several issues. These concerns largely focus on fraudulent activity and market manipulation in underlying markets. The SEC has said that these issues can be overcome with two important steps: by surveillance-sharing agreements with a regulated market of significant size; or by showing that the bitcoin market is isolated from fraudulent and manipulative activity, which, to date, no applicant has successfully done. 

As a clarifying point, bitcoin does not currently trade on a “national securities exchange,” an exchange registered with the SEC. In the U.S., bitcoin currently trades on digital asset exchanges that are regulated by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a division of the U.S. Treasury, by various states through Money Transmitter Licenses or via a BitLicense by New York State Department of Financial Services. 

Bitcoin futures are listed and cleared on the CME, a U.S.-registered designated contract market (DCM) and derivatives-clearing organization (DCO). The trading and clearing of bitcoin futures are regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The CME is regulated and engages in market surveillance and participates in market surveillance-sharing agreements. 

The First Step in a Reliable Price: Finding the Real Volume 

The concern over a reliable price has been a common refrain from the SEC. Speaking at Consensus: Invest in November 2018, SEC Chairman Jay Clayton stated, “The prices retail investors are seeing are the prices they should rely on and free from manipulation — not free from volatility, but free from manipulation.” In order to arrive at a reliable price, you have to start with economic trading between a real buyer and a real seller. 

In March of 2019, the SEC published a report from a meeting with Bitwise Asset Management, a sponsor of one of the bitcoin ETFs, detailing the analysis of trading of bitcoin on various digital asset exchanges. As a result of their analysis, Bitwise alleged that 95 percent of reported trading volume was “fake” or the result of wash trading. The report offered that its ETF sourced prices from “real” spot markets, which exhibited certain characteristics indicative of markets that were free from manipulation or fraudulent trading practices. The SEC saw differently and rejected the proposed rule change in October 2019.

Analysis and testing of exchange integrity has advanced since then, incorporating factors not contemplated in the original Bitwise report. Through vetting, we can identify spot markets that do not report fake volume, and that have the policies and procedures in place in order to prevent wash trading or other methods of price manipulation. 

The Next Steps: Lead-Lag Relationships

In its disapproval notice of the Bitwise Bitcoin ETF Trust, the SEC brought up a new issue not addressed in previous ETF denials — the relationship between prices on digital asset exchanges with “real” volume and those that do not currently pass vetting standards, i.e., “lead-lag” relationship. As stated in that denial, “… mere belief that reported trading volume is questionable is no substitute for data-driven analysis of how other market participants would adjust their pricing in response to prices on other platforms, even if they agree that those platforms have predominantly — but not entirely — fake volume.” 

Price discovery is an important element in financial markets and becomes critical around the globally fragmented trading of bitcoin. A lead-lag study might help determine whether bitcoin markets are resistant to manipulation and which digital asset exchanges have market activity of real economic substance, and thus bring the market closer to a reliable bitcoin price that can be trusted by regulators and investors. 

Lead-lag studies are well underway. In the coming months, regulators and market participants can expect greater clarity on whether venues that engage in questionable activity have a tangible impact on prices; if they don’t, this could be highly promising for ETF, product and index creators. 

Either way, a lead-lag analysis will help illuminate the current market structures of this asset class and further the discussion with the asset management industry, regulators and crypto native investors not only in the U.S. but around the world. 

This is an op ed by Greg Cipolaro. Views expressed are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of Bitcoin Magazine or BTC Inc.

The post Making Regulatory Progress With Bitcoin ETFs and Pricing appeared first on Bitcoin Magazine.

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[alj4890]

Kiss Prompts

(Maxwell Beaumont x Nadia Park) with the prompt: A gentle kiss that quickly descends into passion, with little regard for what’s going on around them as requested by Anonymous. (Thomas Hunt x oc*Amanda) with the prompt: Staring at each other’s lips for a moment before moving closer, as if drawn together by some unseen force also requested by Anonymous. And the prompt: “I shouldn’t be here.” As requested by @krsnlove​ ​

A/N Sorry for the delay. I lost this fic TWICE and had to rewrite it in as many times. But here it is! The last part and epilogue to this prompt request that grew into four parts. Thank you all for enjoying these couples along with me. I hope the ending is what you would want.

@lxaah11​   @alleksa16​   @penguininapinktuxedo​   @blackcoffee85   @stopforamoment     @hopelessromantic1352     @krsnlove     @annekebbphotography  . @sunflowergirl05   @desireepow-1986  @greywitchyshots   @moodyvalentinestories  @emceesynonymroll   @my-heart-beats-for-ya @aworldoffandoms   @ab1901     @lolablackwrites     @flyawayboo   @i-bloody-love-drake-walker   @trappedinfandoms   @kate-mckenzie

Masterlist

Part 4

Amanda's Suite, The Beverly Wilshire, the next day...

Thomas stirred when he heard a faint knocking.

His senses continued to slowly awaken, letting him acquaint himself with his surroundings.

When he reached blindly for what would have been his nightstand in his bedroom, his eyes opened on encountering someone's body.

His eyes opened to see his date from the night before, snuggled close.

Memories of the previous night came to the forefront of his mind, bringing a smile to his face.

After dinner, the two had gone for a long drive around Los Angeles. Since neither was quite ready to say goodnight, they had returned to Amanda's suite to watch a movie.

More conversation followed, late night room service, and of course seeing if the sparks were still there when they kissed. They were happy to discover that the sparks had increased beyond what they expected.

Another movie was started and by three in the morning, Amanda had begun to doze off. When she noticed Thomas doing the same, she insisted he stay the night.

The two then climbed into bed, still dressed up from dinner and fell asleep.

Looking at her now in the light filtering in through the crack in the drapes, he couldn't recall when he had wanted to spend as much time as he possibly could with someone as he did with her.

He gently placed a kiss on the back of Amanda's neck, smiling when she turned toward him.

"Someone's at the door." He said softly.

"I'm too comfortable to move." She mumbled.

His smile grew when she leaned forward to kiss him.

"Good morning." She whispered against his lips.

"Good morning." He kissed her again.

Her eyes dropped on his dress shirt and slacks. "I can't believe you slept in that."

He tugged at her dress. "You weren't exactly dressed comfortably for sleeping either."

Her teasing grin appeared. "It seemed rude to change clothes when my company couldn’t do the same."

Before he could respond, a louder knock was heard.

Both sat up and looked toward the door.

"I must have forgotten to hang the Do Not Disturb sign." Amanda scooted out of bed.

Thomas followed her out, running his fingers through his mussed hair.

Thinking it was housekeeping, she opened the door without checking.

Maxwell came inside, smiling at her.

"So? How was it?" His eyes widened at her still in the dress he had picked out for her. "Did you just get home?"

"No, I--"

“You mean you and Ryan, um,” Maxwell shook his head, not really wanting to know about how her night ended. “Are you alone?” He whispered.

He froze when he saw Thomas in his rumpled clothes.

"Good morning." The director greeted.

Amanda cleared her throat. "Maxwell, you remember Thomas."

Her friend narrowed his eyes. "I do." His blue eyes then cut to Amanda. "What happened with Ryan?"

"At dinner we ran into Thomas and Nadia." Amanda began.

Maxwell glared at Thomas. Not only had he been with the one he wanted, he had somehow intruded on his best friend's chance at happiness.

"...Ryan realized we all felt something for people we were not with and decided to rearrange our dates." Amanda continued.

"He did what?" Maxwell paid attention to that last part.

"Ryan figured out that I wanted to date your friend." Thomas explained. "The only reason I went to dinner with Nadia was because it was my sister who had matched us. Nadia and I discussed this at the very beginning of our date." He slipped his arm around Amanda’s waist. "She and I both confessed to having fallen for other people."

Maxwell's furrowed brow smoothed in understanding. His dimpled grin began to form. "So, you and Nadia are…?"

"Are nothing." Thomas explained. "She fell for, well, you."

Maxwell fought his elation and closely scrutinized Amanda and Thomas. He wanted to make certain no mistakes had been made for his best friend.

The first thing to stand out was that Ryan had never looked at her the way the director did. He noticed the way Thomas had his arm around her waist, keeping her nestled next to him. Amanda didn’t seem bothered at all, in fact, she seemed to be drawn to Thomas just as much as he was to her.

He knew when to admit defeat. Amanda looked far too happy for him to insist she give the actor another chance. Perhaps Ryan wasn’t the right one after all.

"Then I'm glad it all worked out despite mine and your sister's interference." Maxwell decided that he, himself, didn’t deserve all the blame for the wrong matchmaking. "I have a brunch I have to get to." He smiled at them. "Enjoy the rest of your day."

"We will." Amanda winked at him once they were at the door. "Talk to you later?"

"You know it." He pressed a quick kiss to her cheek and left the suite.

*****************

The Blvd...

Rachel peeked over her menu at Steve.

Last night had possibly been the best first date she had ever had. Their dinner followed by a night of dancing had been nothing but one romantic moment after another.

And then for Steve to ask her before they parted for the evening to brunch this morning and another date tonight was just the icing on the cake.

She couldn't recall any of her past relationships where the guy was this honest in wanting to be with her.

No games. No waiting around in agony wondering if he’ll call or text. Just a direct and simple, “I want to be with you.”

Rachel felt like she was in uncharted waters. Her doubt that he was being sincere in this sudden attraction threatened to ruin what she currently had. Only more time together would prove whether or not he really wanted to be with her like she did him.

Steve winked at her when he looked up from his menu and noticed her staring at him.

She quickly averted her eyes while her face turned red.

He chuckled at her embarrassment and reached for her hand. "See anything you want?"

Her face turned a darker shade of red before realizing he meant food.

"I'm trying to decide." She mumbled, fighting the shiver down her spine when he brushed a kiss to her knuckles.

She turned her attention toward the other patrons of the restaurant.

Steve gently tugged her hand when he noticed her tensing. "What's wrong?"

"I think I see Nadia," Rachel leaned over the table, eyes narrowing as she tried to see just who her friend was with.

"Oh?" He followed her gaze. "Should we invite--"

"How dare he!" Rachel scrambled out of the booth and marched over to her friend's table.

***************

Nadia wondered if her heart would ever beat properly again. The constant speeding up followed by a number of skips couldn’t be healthy.

When she approached the booth, Maxwell had swept her in his arms and captured her lips in a passionate kiss.

Neither seemed to recall they were in a very public place having their first kiss nor that they had people watching them. Then again, if asked, they probably would not have cared.

All their attention was on each other.

As the kiss continued, a sound drew their attention.

"Ahem!"

Nadia vaguely recognized that throat clearing. When she heard it a second time, she jerked away from Maxwell.

"Rach!" She hugged her friend who was shooting glares from her dark eyes at the man that had kissed her with such blatant abandon. "What are you doing here?"

"We came for brunch." Steve explained, coming up behind Rachel.

He hoped he could keep this from turning ugly.

"Oh my gosh!" Nadia clasped her hands together over her heart. She was thrilled at seeing the man who had been so romantic the day before still with Rachel. "From the way you two look, the date must have gone well."

"It did." Steve slipped his arms around Rachel's waist, momentarily diverting her attention.

"Ooohhhh!" Nadia beamed at him. "I take it my recommendations helped?"

"Immensely." Steve held his hand out to Maxwell, greeting him.

Rachel eased out of Steve's embrace. "What happened with Thomas?" Her eyes narrowed to mere slits. "You recall My brother, right?"

Nadia glanced at Maxwell. "Last night, Thomas and I bumped into Ryan and Amanda." She nervously twirled a lock of her hair. "And, well, we um, we switched dates."

"Switched dates?!" Rachel gasped. "Whose idea--"

"Rach, Thomas and I had a talk before Ryan and his date came in." Nadia explained. Her eyes filled with tears over her friend's obvious anger. "We both have fallen for someone else." She blinked, trying to keep the tears from falling. "Thomas has feelings for Maxwell's friend, Amanda, and I have fallen for Maxwell."

Rachel's angry expression eased into one of concern. "Why didn't you tell me you fell for Maxwell?"

"I tried to. I didn't want to upset you since Thomas is your brother." Nadia sniffed while wiping her eyes. "Plus, I know you love me and only want the best for me. I couldn't ignore your advice, especially after my years of disasters."

Rachel pulled her into a tight hug. "I wanted you and Thomas to find happiness." She leaned back to look at the couple. "If Maxwell," she sent a warning glare his way, "is someone who treats you the way you should be treated, then I'm happy for you."

"Rach!" Nadia hugged her again. "Promise you're not mad?"

"I'm not." She responded a bit hesitantly. "It will take me a few moments to get used to the idea of these new matches." Her smile was a bit rueful. "I can't help but admit it: I selfishly wanted you to end up as my sister-in-law."

"You'll feel differently when you meet Amanda." Maxwell interjected in the hopes of smoothing things over. "She's always been crazy about your brother."

Rachel's narrowed eyes landed on him once more, causing Maxwell to squirm somewhat.

"If I ever see you remotely taking advantage of Nadia's sweetness," she warned, "You better hope I never find you."

Maxwell swallowed a bit nervously. "Okay."

Steve snorted softly with his laughter. "We'll leave you two alone--"

"Let's have a double date!" Nadia interrupted. "We haven't been on one in ages."

Before Stephen or Maxwell could insist that they wished to be alone with their dates, the two ladies were seated and already in deep discussion over last night's dates, possibly sharing entrees, and what other evenings they could double date.

Steve clapped Maxwell on the shoulder. "Looks like you and I will be spending a lot of time together."

For some reason, that brought an even bigger grin to Maxwell's lips. He couldn't recall a time when he had been in a relationship long enough to enjoy something so simple and sweet like a double date.

"Yeah, it does." He sat down next to Nadia and began to talk to Steve about things they could do on their double dates.

****************

Thomas Hunt's home, late afternoon...

"I don't have a lot of time." Thomas explained to Rachel. "I'm picking Amanda up at six thirty."

"When do I get to meet her?" Rachel asked.

"We'll plan something." He said as he searched his closet for something to wear.

"When?" She persisted, following him into his room.

He grit his teeth. "When do you want to?"

"Tonight."

"Not tonight."

"Tomorrow then."

Thomas stepped out and folded his arms. "Did you act this way with Nadia or am I the lucky one?"

"I had a meal with Maxwell and will be going out on numerous double dates to get to know him better." She told him. "You aren't as easily accessible."

"Rachel." Thomas ground out. "One would think that my sister would respect my privacy as I do hers with Steve."

His sister blushed at her date’s name. "But you already know Steve and like him. Shouldn't I be allowed the same with Amanda?"

"Fine." He went to start his shower, locking the door behind him. "You can meet her tomorrow."

Rachel saluted his closed door in triumph. "I have to go. Steve is picking me up." She yelled through his door. "I'll call tomorrow for a lunch date."

*****************

"You're telling me I did it?" Addison pumped her fists in the air. “I stopped those wrong matches form happening?!”

"Looks that way." Steve started laughing when Addison did a victory dance around his office.

"I still can't believe the dates ended before they even began." Holly leaned back in her chair while in deep thought. "Ryan didn't end up with anyone."

Addison slowed her movements. "That's right! Poor Ryan." She tapped her chin, pretending to think about his predicament. "We should probably find a way to make it up to him."

Holly looked up at her. "You think so?"

"Definitely." Steve added. "Nothing bruises an ego like not only losing out on one woman, but then finding that no one had fallen for him.”

"Maybe we should take him out tonight." Addison suggested. "Get his mind off of last night's failure."

"Okay." Holly looked up at Steve. "You want to come?"

"Nope." He grinned at the two. "I have another date with Rachel." He stood and slung his blazer over his shoulder. "In fact, I can predict that most of my free time will include her."

As he strode out the door, his two friends begged him for more details.

He stuck his head back into the room and winked at them. "I'll talk to you later."

***************

A little over a week later, Tommy Phelps's party...

"Phelp's must have invited everyone he has ever met!" Holly yelled out over the loud music.

"He’s been excited about The Royal Romance." Ryan yelled back. He laced his fingers with hers so he wouldn't lose her. "Let's see what's going on outside."

She nodded and held tight to him as they wound their way through the crowd.

***************

Second floor balcony of Tommy’s house…

"I can't believe you righted all those relationships." Matt teased. "I thought you would be like me. I was only thinking about how much I missed you while we were apart."

Addison looped her arms around his neck. "I did miss you." She stood up on tiptoe to kiss him. "Why do you think I got so involved with everyone's love life?"

He chuckled, holding her close. "I think it’s because you couldn't resist having a hand in making sure they met the perfect person."

"That too." She admitted with a proud smile.

The pair looked out over Tommy's backyard at the new couples.

“There’s my latest.” She pointed at Ryan and Holly greeting the Cordonian group. “I finally got them to look at each other like they should.”

Matt quietly observed his two friends as they wrapped an arm around each other.

“And look at Steve!” Addison pointed toward the left. “Who would have thought he could be so smooth and romantic?”

Matt snorted softly while watching their other friend brushing Rachel’s windblown hair out of her eyes. His finger tilted her chin up so he could press a tender kiss to her lips.

Addison sighed. “He is such an attentive boyfriend.”

Matt quirked an eyebrow at her.

“Well, he is.” She mumbled.

“So where’s Rachel’s friend?” Matt asked, deciding he did not want to discuss how wonderful other guys were tonight.

“Hmm.” Addison scanned the backyard. “Oh! There they are! Dancing.” She pointed them out. “Nadia is the one in white.”

“They seem to be having a good time.” Matt grinned at the pair’s smiles.

“Yes, they really are cute together.” Addison slipped her hand with Matt’s. “Almost as cute as we are.”

Matt tugged her close for a kiss. “Alright, I know the real reason you brought me out here was to see your work with Thomas.”

“He has always eluded my attempts at matchmaking.” Addison grumbled. “Who knew that what I needed was for him to be distracted with someone else matchmaking him so that I could swoop in with my own?” She grinned when her eyes found him talking to Amanda. “He never knew that it was me pulling the strings.”

Matt eyed the evil gleam in her eyes warily. “You will use these powers for good, right?”

She looked up at him. “Of course. Just look down there.” She waved toward the evidence of her deeds. “Look how happy everyone is.”

He wrapped his arms around her. “I guess I should have known you only cause happiness wherever you go.” He lowered his eyes to the engagement ring twinkling in the torch lights. “That’s all you’ve brought me.”

“I try.” She teased, laughing when he tickled her for ruining his romantic moment. “Just wait, our wedding won’t be the only one happening this year.”

*************

Epilogue…

Addison’s prediction was correct. Her wedding wasn’t the only one to happen.

Maxwell spent a lot of time the next few months with Nadia in New York. Using the excuse that he needed to be in the United States for his book tour and movie, he found an apartment not too far from his favorite artist.

The night of The Royal Romance’s premiere, he proposed to Naida. Though they had only been dating for about five months, he knew that he would never find anyone like her. She said yes, her heart so filled with love and hope for their future. Their wedding was held in New York with her family and all he loved from Cordonia in attendance. They even invited those they had grown close to in Hollywood.

The star-studded affair drew a lot of attention from the press. Nadia and Maxwell gave numerous interviews about how happy they were together. The next few years of marriage saw the pair grow from a family of two to a family of four. Their smiles and laughter continued as they raised their son and daughter.

Steve continued to do all he could to sweep Rachel off her feet. Together they traveled to romantic cities around the world, appreciating the architecture and each other. When he was offered to teach in Rome, he expressed his wish for her to join him there.

He asked with a four-carat diamond solitaire. Steve explained that he couldn’t stand the thought of not seeing her, having her by his side as he moved into this new position.

She said yes. After a small, private ceremony and with her brother giving her away; the two were married after dating for nearly a year.

They settled into a villa overlooking the Colosseum and enjoyed their first three years of marriage living in Rome. They then returned to California when Rachel was offered her own dream job. They supported each other in all they did as each transitioned in their careers.

They were also a devoted aunt and uncle to Thomas’ s children. With all their interests involving the freedom to travel and move wherever their careers took them, they decided to not have any children of their own. They are completely content with having each other and their extended family.

Holly and Ryan surprised everyone with an elopement in Las Vegas a little over a month after Addison pushed them together. The reason for the sudden nuptials appeared nine months after their first date. What didn’t surprise anyone, was that Ryan and Holly seemed meant to belong together. Ryan needed Holly’s snark and calmness to keep him grounded while she needed his charm and sense of humor to draw her out of her cynicism. Together, they enjoy life with their two daughters.

Thomas and Amanda tried the long-distance dating for the first year. It was difficult at first with having to spend long periods of time apart with nothing but video chats, especially since the two loved to spend as much time as they could together. Thomas decided to shoot his two planned films in Cordonia that year, just to be near her.

Since he was spending so much time in her country, he knew he would need to have a small studio there. What better place to build one than near her duchy? While it was under construction, he proposed to the duchess he had lost his heart to.

The two were married a month after his proposal in St Orella’s chapel with only those they were closest to present. They allowed Ana De Luca to be the one photographer for their wedding.

Amanda wore a wedding gown that Addison had designed for her the moment she knew the duchess was right for Thomas. A year and a half later she would be given maternity dresses that the fashion designer had made just for her.

Addison proudly showed the video she had of when Thomas and Amanda first met at both the wedding reception and to the Hunt offspring that followed. She would whisper to Matt that none of this would have happened without her interference.

Addison and Matt had a wedding that was photographed for every magazine out there. Their ceremony was held at Shutters on the Beach with their nearest and dearest on hand.  A noticeably pregnant Holly was matron of honor while Ryan beamed as best man.

The couple were wed six months after everyone was matched. While walking down the aisle, Addison noticed those she had a hand in matching and felt a great deal of pride at the amount of love present for her wedding. The only thing that could take her mind from her greatest triumph was having the love of her life say his vows.

And with that, they all lived happily ever after…

[greggchadwick]

Four small Buddhist monk paintings from my latest solo show at Audis Husar in Beverly Hills. A recurrent theme. Creating these paintings is a form of meditation for me. This group sold together to a wonderful collector. #RedDots “Ring the bells that still can ring Forget your perfect offering There is a crack, a crack in everything That’s how the light gets in.” - Leonard Cohen, Anthem Art at its best possess an uncanny ability to communicate ideas and feelings that we need to understand. It seems that especially in times of struggle or unrest, art helps us connect to the personhood of others. Art creates dialogue. Dialogue promotes reflective discussion. And reflection can lead to change. Gregg Chadwick’s new paintings in How the Light Gets In at Audis Husar Fine Art are crafted as reflecting devices that mirror and focus the viewer’s attention on where we are. As Marvin Gaye sang so poignantly —��“What’s going on.” How the Light Gets In: Paintings by Gregg Chadwick March 25 — May 11, 2019 Audis Husar Fine Art Address: 8670 Wilshire Blvd Suite 114, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 Hours: Please contact via phone or email below for an appointment audishusar@icloud.com (310) 994–9828 #artistsoninstagram #peace #meditation #thailand #buddhism #buddha #leonardcohen https://www.instagram.com/greggchadwick/p/Bv4lTHgla1k/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1bszvyztkjlp9